Description: A cozy mashup of creamy pasta and the iconic Philly cheesesteak—this skillet dish features tender rigatoni tossed in a cheesy sauce with ground beef, peppers, and onions. Hearty, melty, and full of bold flavor! This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe brings all the delicious elements of the classic sandwich into a comforting and satisfying pasta dish. Imagine tender pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, generously studded with savory ground beef, and the bright, slightly sweet flavor of sautéed peppers and onions. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
This recipe takes inspiration from the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but reimagines them in a new and exciting way. Instead of a hoagie roll, we use rigatoni pasta, known for its ridges that grab onto the creamy sauce. Ground beef replaces the traditional thinly sliced steak, making it a more accessible and budget-friendly option. And of course, no Philly cheesesteak would be complete without the melted cheese, which we incorporate into a luscious homemade cheese sauce.
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make. It requires just a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour. The recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a die-hard Philly cheesesteak fan or simply looking for a new and exciting pasta dish to try, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni (or penne)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix!)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced, for extra flavor
Preparation:
Before you begin, gather all of your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. This will help to streamline the cooking process and ensure that you don’t miss anything. Prepare your pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, you can toss it with a little olive oil.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the beef and vegetables. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pasta dish!
Step 3: Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and slightly translucent. This will take about 5-7 minutes. As the vegetables cook, they will release their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor to the dish. If you are using garlic, add it during the last minute of cooking, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can have a bitter taste.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to make the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook the flour and butter mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce. Cooking the roux helps to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. This will take about 5-7 minutes. As the sauce simmers, it will gradually thicken to a velvety consistency. Be patient and don’t rush the process.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese until it is melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. The cheese sauce should be rich, creamy, and flavorful.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and the beef-pepper mixture to the cheese sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Make sure that the pasta is well coated with the sauce and that the beef and peppers are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 8: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons! First and foremost, it combines the irresistible flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak with the comforting familiarity of pasta. It’s a perfect fusion of two beloved dishes, creating a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, coating every strand of pasta and encasing the savory ground beef and sweet peppers and onions. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The ground beef offers a hearty and satisfying protein element, while the peppers and onions add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make. It requires just a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and customize the dish to your liking.
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a versatile and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will help to cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Offer a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, for a healthy and colorful addition.
- For a spicier kick, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and have a more pleasant texture.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown the beef in batches to ensure that it browns evenly.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving (Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Protein: Approximately 30g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg per serving (Note: This can vary greatly depending on the amount of salt added.)
Conclusion:
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, transforming it into a comforting and satisfying pasta dish. With its creamy cheese sauce, savory ground beef, and sweet peppers and onions, it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal! It’s sure to become a family favorite! This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will transport you to the streets of Philadelphia with every bite.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended for its ridges that hold the sauce well, you can easily substitute it with penne, farfalle (bowtie pasta), or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Q2: Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use thinly sliced steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. We suggest using sirloin or ribeye steak, and slicing it as thinly as possible. You’ll want to quickly sauté the steak until it’s just cooked through, being careful not to overcook it.
Q3: Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Sliced mushrooms would be a delicious addition to this pasta dish. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers until they are softened and slightly browned.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this pasta dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. You can cook the pasta, brown the beef and vegetables, and make the cheese sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet and heat through.
Q5: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. The pasta may also become mushy. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.
