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Delicious budget-friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta dish served in a bowl

Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A delightful fusion of Philly cheesesteak and pasta, this creamy dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, offering rich flavors and satisfying satisfaction.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced beef steak Savory protein option
Vegetables
  • 1 large yellow onion Thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper Thinly sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper Thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
Cheese and Dairy
  • 1.5 cups shredded provolone cheese For creamy cheesesteak experience
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
  • 1/2 cup milk Lends creaminess to the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese For richness and smoothness
Seasoning and Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon salt To enhance flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For a subtle kick
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Infuse Italian herb essence
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Add heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Vegetables and Meat
  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  3. Increase heat slightly and add ground beef, browning while seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
  2. Gradually add milk and half of the provolone and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until creamy.
Combining and Baking
  1. Combine cooked pasta with the beef and cheese sauce thoroughly.
  2. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
  3. Bake for 18-22 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden finish.
  4. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or use leftover steak. Experiment with different cheeses, and don't skip the resting time for better flavor melding.