Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Cheesy, Hearty, and Comforting

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a rich and comforting twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, transforming it into a pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. This dish combines tender penne pasta with a savory blend of ground beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It delivers all the flavors of the iconic sandwich in a single, satisfying pasta bowl.

With the addition of provolone and mozzarella cheese, the sauce is indulgent, melty, and irresistibly creamy. The condensed French onion soup adds depth and umami, while Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory flavors. This article will guide you through ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, variations, serving suggestions, storage advice, nutritional insights, and frequently asked questions.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sautéed vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy, French onion-based sauce ensures every bite is rich and flavorful. Pasta acts as a hearty base that soaks up the sauce, while the mixture of provolone and mozzarella creates the perfect melty texture reminiscent of a traditional Philly cheesesteak. Using condensed French onion soup provides a quick, flavorful shortcut without compromising depth, and the cornstarch ensures the sauce is thick and creamy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1¼ lbs ground beef
• 10 oz white button mushrooms (sliced) or cremini mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cups shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Breakdown

Penne pasta provides a hearty, sturdy base for the dish. Ground beef offers protein and richness. Mushrooms, onion, and green bell pepper contribute texture, moisture, and savory flavor. Condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce create a flavorful umami-packed sauce. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, while provolone and mozzarella cheese provide creaminess and a gooey, melty texture. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Remove excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should remain firm to hold up against the creamy sauce.
• Use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for authentic cheesesteak flavor and optimal melting.
• Sauté vegetables until tender but still slightly crisp for texture contrast.
• Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Serve immediately for the best creamy texture, as the sauce thickens upon standing.

Variations

• Cheese Lovers: Add extra shredded cheese on top before serving for a cheesier dish.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle heat.
• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of French onion soup.
• Additional Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers of different colors, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
• Top with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for added flavor and color.

Storage and Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to maintain creaminess.
• This recipe is great for meal prep; cook pasta and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve.

Nutritional Overview

• High in protein from ground beef and cheese
• Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables
• Provides calcium from cheese
• Comforting, filling, and customizable for dietary preferences

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne works best for holding the sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli are good alternatives.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and vegetables in advance; add pasta and cheese when ready to serve.

3. Can I use leftover steak instead of ground beef?
Yes, thinly sliced steak works well and gives a closer texture to a traditional Philly cheesesteak.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure French onion soup is gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture, as cheese and sauce may separate.

Print

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that transforms a classic sandwich into a comforting pasta meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings, it’s easy to make, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at the table.