Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Few things spell pure comfort and satisfying flavor quite like a homemade Philly Cheesesteak. This dish effortlessly weaves together the hearty richness of beef, the mellow sweetness of sautéed onions and peppers, melt-in-your-mouth provolone, and a luxe cream sauce, all tossed with tender pasta for a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss or hoping to impress friends and family with a new spin on a classic, this Philly Cheesesteak pasta brings the iconic flavors you love—plus a little extra cozy factor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in a Philly Cheesesteak comes from just a handful of kitchen staples, each playing an essential part in bringing out the dish’s signature flavor. With every ingredient, from the beef to the bell pepper, you’re building luscious texture, caramelized notes, and a creamy finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Beef (1 lb ground beef or steak strips): The star protein, delivering the savory depth and classic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak.
• Green bell pepper (diced): Brings fresh, vibrant crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• Onion (diced): Adds gentle sweetness and a caramelized edge when sautéed.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a pop of flavor.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the rich, creamy coating that binds everything together.
• Provolone cheese (1 cup, shredded): For irresistibly gooey, melty topping that defines the Philly Cheesesteak experience.
• Pasta (12 oz penne or rigatoni): Serves as the perfect base, catching all that saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Beef broth (1 cup): Enhances the meaty flavor and helps make the sauce glossy and smooth.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Gives a silky base for sautéing vegetables and meat to perfection.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne or rigatoni and cook until just al dente—this will help the pasta absorb all the rich sauce to come. Drain thoroughly and set aside, so it’s ready to soak up every Philly Cheesesteak flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced green bell pepper and onion, sautéing until they’re soft and slightly caramelized around the edges. Add minced garlic for the last minute, stirring to release its delicious aroma without letting it burn.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Push the veggies to the side of your skillet, then add the ground beef or steak strips. Cook, breaking up the meat if using ground beef, until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite will be well seasoned.

Step 4: Combine and Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese and beef broth, mixing gently until you have a luscious, creamy sauce. Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure every piece is coated with that signature Philly Cheesesteak richness.

Step 5: Top and Broil with Provolone

Evenly sprinkle your shredded provolone cheese over the top of the skillet. Pop the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes—watching closely—until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Serve hot, right out of the skillet, and prepare for smiles all around!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak

Garnishes

Elevate your Philly Cheesesteak pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few cracks of black pepper, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. If you’re after that true Philly spirit, top with a few sautéed mushrooms or a handful of crispy fried onions for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulous alongside a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the cheesesteak pasta. Warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce is always a winner, and roasted broccoli or asparagus is a lovely, fresh counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful Philly Cheesesteak spin, serve the pasta in small, ovenproof ramekins, each topped with an extra layer of provolone to broil just before serving. Or, heap into a hollowed-out baguette for a deliciously over-the-top, eat-with-your-hands experience. Family-style in a big, bubbling roasting pan also makes for a fun, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak pasta is just as dreamy the next day. Let it cool fully, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making each reheated bite extra satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to make your Philly Cheesesteak ahead, it freezes beautifully! Spoon cooled pasta into a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover your Philly Cheesesteak pasta with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually 15 to 20 minutes. A splash of beef broth added before reheating helps keep everything creamy. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone nails that classic Philly Cheesesteak flavor, feel free to try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese for a silkier melt.

Is there a way to make this Philly Cheesesteak pasta lighter?

Sure thing! You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or swap in Greek yogurt for some of the creamy base. Lean ground beef or sliced chicken breast both work as lighter protein options.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta shape and cook according to package directions. Philly Cheesesteak magic works with any pasta base as long as it holds up to a rich sauce.

Can I prepare the Philly Cheesesteak mixture ahead of time?

You can absolutely cook the beef, vegetables, and cream sauce ahead, then refrigerate. Just boil pasta and assemble everything right before serving for the freshest texture.

What beef cut is best for steak strips?

Ribeye is the traditional choice for Philly Cheesesteak thanks to its tenderness and marbling, but sirloin or even flank steak sliced thinly against the grain work beautifully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and just a bit nostalgic, this Philly Cheesesteak pasta is the answer. It’s quick, reliable, and the perfect way to share a beloved Philly flavor with your favorite people. Grab your skillet and get cooking—you’ll be glad you did!

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