If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting goodness of a pasta casserole, then the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. This casserole brings together tender beef or steak, melty provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, all gently simmered in your slow cooker. The result? An irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create amazing layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in building a rich, hearty, and delicious casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak: The star protein that brings savory, meaty depth—steak makes it more authentic, but ground beef works beautifully for ease.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that complements the rich beef.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a mellow sweetness and essential aromatic base to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with a warm, savory fragrance that’s hard to resist.
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini or penne): These shapes hold sauce and cheese perfectly, giving each bite a wonderful texture.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and an umami kick that ties everything together.
- 1 cup milk: Used to create a creamy sauce that keeps the pasta moist without being heavy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers that classic tangy, savory undertone typical of Philly cheesesteaks.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a hint of herbaceous warmth to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, divided: Provides the gooey, melty cheesiness that’s crucial for this comfort dish.
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed: Makes the casserole lusciously creamy and rich, elevating the texture to pure indulgence.
How to Make Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef or Steak
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Cook your choice of either ground beef or thinly sliced steak until it’s beautifully browned and full of rich meaty flavor. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep the casserole from feeling greasy. This step ensures your protein has that perfect savory base before it cooks together with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned meat into your crockpot. Add diced green bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, and uncooked pasta. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly, setting the stage for all those delicious flavors to meld during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Pasta is Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. Halfway through cooking, if you can, open the lid and give it a gentle stir to keep everything mixing nicely and prevent sticking. The pasta should soften and absorb all the savory broth by the end of this step, creating a tender, flavorful base.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cubed cream cheese along with 1 cup of shredded provolone. Mix until everything is melted and incredibly creamy, giving the casserole its signature luscious texture. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly across the top, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
How to Serve Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. These add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creamy casserole. If you love a little heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes can also brighten things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe stands on its own wonderfully, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables helps lighten the meal and adds variety in textures. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also offer a cozy complement, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve the casserole scooped into individual oven-safe ramekins and broil briefly to get a golden crust on top. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions as a garnish for a gourmet twist that still feels homey and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic dish to enjoy the next day with even more deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before reheating if the casserole seems a bit dry to restore the creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella are traditional and melt beautifully, Swiss or cheddar can add a delicious twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy texture.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the meat first develops richer flavor and a better texture. While you could skip this step, your casserole might end up less flavorful and with a different texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sliced carrots, or even spinach work well and add color and nutrition. Just make sure not to add watery veggies that might make the casserole soggy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try substituting the cheeses and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based milk. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty and creamy.
What pasta works best for this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe?
Rotini or penne are ideal because their shapes hold sauce and cheese well. Avoid delicate pasta types which can mush during slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is truly a game-changer for family dinners, bringing together all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak in a convenient, slow cooker meal. I promise once you try this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your home. It’s comfort food magic that’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to put smiles around the table. Go ahead and give it a try—you deserve this warm, cheesy goodness!
Print
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that combines tender beef or steak with flavorful peppers, onions, and a cheesy pasta base slow-cooked to perfection. With a creamy provolone finish, it’s a delicious twist on classic Philly cheesesteak flavors, perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or thinly sliced steak until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary, then transfer the cooked meat to the crockpot.
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: To the crockpot, add the diced green bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the pasta is tender. If possible, stir the mixture halfway through cooking for even heat distribution.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cheese: Once the pasta is fully cooked, stir in the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded provolone until everything is melted and creamy.
- Top and Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top, cover the crockpot again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Serve the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole hot for a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the peppers and onions before adding them to the crockpot.
- Use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
- Add mushrooms if desired to enhance the flavor and texture.
