When you think of comfort food, a Philly cheesesteak probably comes to mind with its tender beef, gooey cheese, and sautéed vegetables. Now imagine combining those iconic flavors with pasta! Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate mash-up dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. This recipe gives you the same hearty satisfaction as a cheesesteak but in a creamy, cheesy pasta form that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This dish is a flavor-packed one-pan wonder. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s hearty and comforting. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. Plus, it’s baked to perfection, so every bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1¼ lbs ground beef
- 10 ounces white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese blend
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures your dish bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside.
3. Brown the Beef and Vegetables
In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. About one-third of the way through cooking, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, and green bell peppers. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until all the pasta is coated in the savory sauce.
6. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese blend over the pasta mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for a gooey, cheesy finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns a light golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
1. Use High-Quality Cheese
A provolone and mozzarella blend works beautifully for this recipe, but you can also use sharp cheddar or even American cheese for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor.
2. Customize the Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like red bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach for extra color and nutrition.
3. Make it Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick of heat.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients
Freshly sliced mushrooms and crisp bell peppers elevate the dish and bring out the best flavors.
5. Opt for Whole-Wheat Pasta
For a healthier twist, swap out regular penne for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 450 |
Protein | 30g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fat | 20g |
Fiber | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! Any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or even macaroni works well in this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for French onion soup?
If you don’t have French onion soup, use beef broth with a teaspoon of onion powder and a dash of soy sauce for flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
4. What kind of beef should I use?
Ground beef is quick and convenient, but you can also use thinly sliced steak like ribeye or sirloin for a more authentic cheesesteak experience.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
6. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu. You can also add more mushrooms and other veggies for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Variations to Try
1. Cheesy Chicken Philly Pasta
Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist.
2. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Instead of cooking everything on the stove, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with extra cheese for a casserole-style meal.
3. Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in place of pasta for a low-carb alternative.
4. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
Conclusion: Your Next Dinner Obsession
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings the iconic flavors of a cheesesteak into a cozy, cheesy pasta bake that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this dish is bound to become a favorite. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food tonight!
PrintCreamy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Take your favorite Philly cheesesteak flavors and turn them into a delicious pasta dish! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta combines tender penne, savory ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and sure to become a family favorite
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1¼ lbs ground beef
- 10 ounces white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese blend
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure the dish bakes evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, and green bell pepper about one-third of the way through the cooking process. Cook until the beef is browned, and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then add it to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a combination of provolone and mozzarella cheese for the perfect gooey texture, or substitute with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- You can swap ground beef for thinly sliced steak or shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- If you don’t have French onion soup, substitute with beef broth mixed with a teaspoon of onion powder.
- This dish can be made ahead—simply assemble it up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American