Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the heartiness of pasta. Ground beef, sautéed onions, and green peppers are mixed with a creamy, cheesy sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining all the delicious elements of a cheesesteak in a casserole form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is packed with flavor, comfort, and the ultimate cheesiness that everyone loves. The creamy sauce made from cream cheese and milk creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the rotini pasta perfectly. The combination of melted jack, cheddar, and provolone cheeses brings that irresistible Philly cheesesteak flavor, while the ground beef and veggies add savory depth. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 lb rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 cup yellow onion (diced)
1 cup green pepper (diced)
1 tsp garlic (chopped)
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp kosher salt
8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
⅓ cup whole milk
½ cup jack cheese (shredded)
½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
8 slices provolone cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
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In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
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In the same pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Drain any excess fat, then return the cooked beef to the pot.
Add Veggies & Seasoning:
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Add the diced onions and green peppers to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften.
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Then, add garlic, black pepper, and salt, stirring until combined.
Make the Sauce:
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Add cream cheese and whole milk to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Combine Pasta & Cheese:
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Add the cooked pasta, shredded jack cheese, and cheddar cheese to the pot. Mix well.
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If needed, add some reserved pasta water (starting with ¼ cup) to make the sauce creamy and coat the pasta completely.
Assemble the Casserole:
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Pour the pasta mixture into the greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Top with slices of provolone cheese.
Bake:
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Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Then, broil on LOW for about 2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Serve:
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use chicken or steak: If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef for grilled chicken or thinly sliced steak for an authentic Philly cheesesteak twist.
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Add mushrooms: For extra flavor and texture, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
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Make it spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for some heat.
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Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground beef or tofu, and you can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warm. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, elbow macaroni, or fusilli.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble it and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole combines the best of both worlds—the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting, hearty texture of pasta. This dish is easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory goodness.
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: undefined
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American, Asian
Description
A creamy, cheesy pasta casserole with ground beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese, inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 cup green pepper (diced)
- 1 tsp garlic (chopped)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ cup jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then return the cooked beef to the pot.
- Add Veggies & Seasoning: Add the diced onions and green peppers to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften. Then, add garlic, black pepper, and salt, stirring until combined.
- Make the Sauce: Add cream cheese and whole milk to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta, shredded jack cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix well. If needed, add some reserved pasta water (starting with ¼ cup) to make the sauce creamy and coat the pasta completely.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, broil on LOW for about 2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to use whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 554
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg