Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that brings together the best of both worlds. The rich flavors of traditional Philly cheesesteak meld with creamy pasta for a comforting meal that satisfies even the hungriest eaters.

I created this recipe when my teenagers started bringing friends home after sports practice and I needed something that could feed many hungry mouths without keeping me in the kitchen all evening. The first time I served it the entire crockpot was emptied before I even had a chance to sit down.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides the meaty foundation similar to a traditional cheesesteak but in an easier to handle form
• Yellow onion and bell peppers recreate the classic Philly vegetable mix while adding sweetness and texture
• Garlic cloves bring aromatic depth that enhances the beef flavor
• Worcestershire sauce adds that umami punch that makes the dish taste like it simmered all day
• Beef broth creates a flavorful cooking liquid that the pasta absorbs as it cooks
• Rotini pasta holds up well in the slow cooker and catches all the creamy sauce in its spirals
• Provolone cheese is authentic to traditional Philly cheesesteaks giving that signature tang
• Mozzarella provides the perfect stretchy cheese pull that makes this dish Instagram worthy
• Heavy cream creates the luscious sauce that binds everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base

Cook the onions garlic and peppers in olive oil until they begin to soften before adding the ground beef. This layering of flavors is crucial as it allows the vegetables to release their sweetness and form the aromatic foundation of the dish. Make sure to cook until the onions are translucent and peppers have slight tenderness.

Build the Crockpot Layer

Transfer everything to your slow cooker and add the remaining savory elements. This is where the dish begins to develop its depth of flavor. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce create the cooking liquid for the pasta allowing it to absorb all those savory notes as it softens. Be sure to stir well so the pasta is fully submerged.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic. The beauty of this step is that the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth taking on all those delicious flavors rather than being boiled separately in plain water. Check halfway through cooking to ensure even pasta cooking and to prevent any sticking to the sides of the crockpot.

Create the Cheesy Sauce

Add the dairy components after the pasta has cooked through. This timing is critical because adding the cheese and cream too early could cause separation or curdling. When you stir in these final ingredients they will melt into a velvety sauce that coats every bite with creamy goodness.

Serve While Hot

Dish up generous portions while still hot and bubbling. The cheese should be perfectly melted creating those irresistible stretchy strands when you lift your fork. Each serving will have the perfect balance of pasta beef vegetables and creamy cheese sauce reminiscent of the classic sandwich.

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The provolone cheese is really the star ingredient that takes this dish from a regular pasta casserole to something special. My family has an ongoing debate about whether authentic Philly cheesesteaks should use provolone or Cheez Whiz but for this pasta version provolone delivers that perfect balance of meltability and flavor that reminds us of the sandwiches we enjoyed on our Philadelphia vacation.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight making the leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. Microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes stirring halfway through or reheat a larger portion in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience use thinly sliced ribeye instead of ground beef. The meat will be more tender but requires slightly more attention when browning. For a lighter version substitute ground turkey and use half and half instead of heavy cream. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious. Pasta shapes can be switched according to what you have on hand but stick to shorter shapes like penne shells or farfalle that hold sauce well and cook evenly in the crockpot.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete Philly themed meal serve with a side of crispy baked potato wedges and pickled peppers. During summer months consider adding a fresh corn salad with cherry tomatoes for a seasonal touch. For entertaining add a basket of warm garlic bread for guests to soak up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Yes! While rotini works wonderfully for catching all the sauce and cheese, any short pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or shells would work equally well. Just make sure to monitor cooking time as different shapes might cook slightly faster or slower.

→ How can I make this dish more authentic to a Philly cheesesteak?

For a more authentic Philly experience, use thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef. You could also add mushrooms during the sautéing step, use only provolone cheese, and consider adding toasted hoagie roll crumbs on top before serving.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can brown the meat and vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to cook, add them to the slow cooker with the broth, seasonings, and pasta. The fully cooked dish can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated, though the pasta may absorb more liquid over time.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream can work, though they will alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Mushrooms make an excellent addition and are often included in traditional cheesesteaks. You could also add spinach during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or include diced zucchini or yellow squash with the initial vegetables for added nutrition.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat leftovers slowly over medium-low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works too—cover the dish and heat on 70% power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.