Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake | Easy Comfort Food

Get ready to indulge in a comforting and utterly delicious Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake! This hearty casserole combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the creamy goodness of a pasta bake. Imagine tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheeses all nestled together in a rich, beefy sauce – it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!

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Ingredients Breakdown

To create this Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to deliver an unbeatable flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

Ground Beef or Shaved Steak

The foundation of this dish is the protein – you can choose between ground beef or thinly sliced shaved steak. Ground beef will provide a heartier, chunkier texture, while shaved steak will give you that authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe. Both options work wonderfully, so pick whichever suits your preference or is more readily available.

Green Bell Pepper and Onion

No Philly cheesesteak is complete without the classic veggie duo of green bell peppers and onions. These ingredients add a delightful crunch, sweetness, and depth of flavor to the dish. Feel free to experiment with other pepper varieties or even add mushrooms for an extra savory element.

Penne Pasta

For the pasta component, penne is an excellent choice as it holds the creamy sauce and toppings beautifully. The tube-shaped pasta allows the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake to come together as a cohesive casserole.

Cheese Galore

The real star of the show is the cheese! This dish features a delightful blend of provolone and mozzarella, creating a gooey, stretchy, and oh-so-satisfying cheese pull in every bite. The addition of cream cheese also adds a creamy richness to the sauce.

Beef Broth and Seasonings

To bring all the flavors together, you’ll need some beef broth to create the sauce, as well as salt and pepper to season the dish. These simple ingredients enhance the savory notes and tie the entire Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake together.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To whip up this Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. First, you’ll want a large skillet or sauté pan to cook the onions, peppers, and beef. Then, you’ll need a pot to boil the pasta. Finally, you’ll want a 9×13-inch casserole dish to bake the pasta bake to cheesy perfection.

Make sure to have your cooking space prepped and ready to go – gather all your ingredients, preheat the oven, and have your cooking utensils within reach. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the other delicious components.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté them until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies and infuses the dish with mouthwatering aromas.

Cooking the Beef

Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the ground beef or shaved steak to the pan. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Now, it’s time to create the irresistible creamy sauce. Add the cream cheese and beef broth to the pan with the beef and vegetables. Stir the mixture constantly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed.

Baking to Perfection

Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and bake it in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Touches

Once the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together for an even more delectable dish.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

To take your Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake to the next level, consider these helpful tips:

• Meat Choice: While ground beef and shaved steak are classic options, you can also experiment with other proteins like ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Vegetable Variations: In addition to the bell peppers and onions, you can add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of provolone or mozzarella, try using a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, or even American cheese for a different twist.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours before popping it in the oven.
• Storing and Reheating: Leftover Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake is a delightful main dish that can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread to soak up all the savory goodness.

As for beverages, a crisp lager or a bold red wine would pair beautifully with this comforting casserole. For a fun presentation, you can top the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions.

FAQs for Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

Q1: What ingredients do I need to make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake?

A1: To make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake, you will typically need ingredients such as pasta (like penne or rotini), thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), bell peppers, onions, garlic, cream cheese, shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, beef broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also customize with your favorite veggies or spices.

Q2: Can I make Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake ahead of time! You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q3: How do I store leftovers of Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake?

A3: To store leftovers, let the Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.

Q4: Can I substitute the beef with another protein in Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake?

A4: Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with other proteins such as chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like mushrooms or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through and flavorful.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
• Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
• Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Fries

Conclusion

The Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake is a true comfort food masterpiece, blending the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the heartiness of a creamy pasta casserole. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, with its irresistible combination of tender beef, sautéed veggies, and melted cheeses.

Give this Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations or toppings to make it your own. Share your creations and experiences with us – we’d love to hear how you’ve personalized this delectable dish!

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