Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Tasty Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

My latest culinary adventure involves a mouthwatering crockpot philly cheesesteak pasta casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

Comfort food meets convenience with this delectable mashup of classic sandwich flavors and hearty pasta.

Tender beef strips dance alongside perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of textures that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Melted cheese blankets each ingredient, delivering rich, creamy goodness throughout the entire dish.

Bold seasonings infuse depth and warmth into this simple yet impressive meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Cheesy, meaty, and packed with incredible flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Slide that slow cooker onto the counter and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Is Comfort Food

Instructions for Making Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in Crockpot
  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Transform classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a hassle-free pasta casserole that requires minimal hands-on cooking.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for steak strips or adding extra vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the beloved flavors of a cheesesteak with the heartiness of a pasta dish, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple layering technique mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dishes.

Ingredients for Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich, hearty flavor and substance to the pasta casserole.
  • Pasta: The foundational base that creates a comforting and filling main dish with a classic Philly cheesesteak-inspired twist.
  • Provolone Cheese: A smooth, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and authentic cheesesteak-style taste.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Peppers: Classic Philly cheesesteak vegetables that bring sweet, savory depth and colorful texture to the dish.
For the Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A flavor-boosting combination that enhances the overall taste profile and creates a rich, seasoned sauce for the pasta casserole.

Instructions for Making Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in Crockpot

Instructions for Making Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in Crockpot

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for layering.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef and Veggies

Heat a skillet over medium flame and brown the ground beef. Add these ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create First Delicious Layer

In the crockpot, spread half of the cooked pasta as the base layer. Top with half of the beef and vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese Goodness

Scatter half of the shredded provolone cheese over the first layer, creating a melty foundation.

Step 5: Build Second Flavor-Packed Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining:
  • Pasta
  • Beef mixture
  • Provolone cheese

Step 6: Prepare Flavor-Boosting Liquid

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour this seasoned liquid evenly across the layers in the crockpot.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 3-4 hours. The result will be a hot, creamy, and irresistible pasta casserole.

Helpful Suggestions for Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version of this hearty dish.
  • Add extra veggies like sliced mushrooms or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like Swiss or mozzarella if provolone isn't your favorite or available.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by slightly undercooking it before adding to the crockpot, as it will continue to absorb liquid during slow cooking.

Variations to Try with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using mushrooms and extra bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and swap provolone for pepper jack cheese for a zesty, spicy rendition.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower pasta for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Amplify Flavor Combinations
  • Pair with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the rich, meaty pasta and complements the savory beef and cheese.
  • Refreshing Side Selection
  • Serve alongside a tangy mixed green salad with blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's robust flavors.
  • Create Rustic Comfort Plate
  • Add warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
  • Enhance Wine Experience
  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which will stand up to the bold beef and creamy cheese elements of the dish.

Best Practices to Store Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled pasta casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is mild. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize the spiciness.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate, then start cooking the next day.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the pasta completely?

No, cook the pasta just until al dente (slightly firm) as it will continue cooking in the crockpot and absorb the flavorful broth.

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Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole brings Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich flavors into a comforting one-pot meal. Rich beef, melted provolone, and tender pasta blend seamlessly for a satisfying dinner that promises delicious nostalgia with each savory bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
  • 1 cup beef broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta until it reaches al dente texture, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
  2. Sauté ground beef in a hot skillet over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.
  3. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the browned beef, stirring continuously until vegetables become tender and translucent.
  4. Create the first foundation layer in the crockpot by spreading half of the cooked pasta across the bottom.
  5. Distribute approximately half of the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the pasta base.
  6. Generously sprinkle a layer of shredded provolone cheese across the beef mixture.
  7. Construct a second identical layer using the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese.
  8. Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
  9. Carefully pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring even distribution throughout the crockpot.
  10. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Customize protein choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
  • Enhance vegetable variety by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional content and create additional flavor layers.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and controlling salt quantities, making the dish heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
  • Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole ingredients the night before and storing in the refrigerator, then simply start the crockpot in the morning for a convenient meal.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 422 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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