Description
Philly cheesesteak pasta bake brings classic sandwich flavors into a hearty comfort meal. Melted provolone, tender beef strips, and caramelized onions meld together in a creamy pasta casserole that satisfies deeper cravings with zero compromise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or steak strips
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Pasta and Liquid:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted water, cooking to al dente perfection according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring no excess water remains.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add finely chopped green bell peppers, diced onions, and minced garlic, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Introduce beef strips or ground beef to the vegetable mixture, breaking down the meat into small, uniform pieces. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring consistently until meat reaches a rich, golden-brown color and is completely cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate cream cheese and beef broth into the skillet. Gently stir until the mixture develops a smooth, creamy texture with no visible cream cheese lumps.
- Fold the reserved pasta into the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Distribute the combined ingredients into a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish.
- Sprinkle provolone cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface. Position the dish under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and enhances overall flavor integration.
Notes
- Pasta perfection requires cooking just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness during baking.
- Choose high-quality beef strips or ground beef with good marbling for maximum flavor and tender meat texture.
- Cream cheese creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together, delivering authentic Philly cheesesteak vibes.
- Broiling transforms the dish with golden, bubbling provolone cheese that adds rich, melty goodness to every single bite.
- Bell peppers and onions provide classic cheesesteak vegetable foundation, bringing authentic Philly sandwich inspiration to this comforting pasta bake.
- One-skillet method simplifies cooking process, reducing cleanup and allowing flavors to develop seamlessly throughout the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4