Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Sizzling Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

My latest culinary adventure with crockpot philly cheesesteak pasta casserole brings comfort food to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Savory beef strips mingle perfectly with gooey cheese and tender pasta.

Peppers and onions add robust flavor profiles that make every bite memorable.

Weekend meal planning just got way more exciting for hungry families.

Slow cookers transform basic ingredients into magical dinner experiences anyone can master.

Rich, hearty components create a meal that feels like a warm embrace from your kitchen.

We promise this recipe will become an instant favorite for everyone around your dinner table.

Why Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Works

  • Hands-On Convenience: Minimal prep work transforms classic Philly cheesesteak flavors into a simple one-pot meal perfect for busy families.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines beloved cheesesteak ingredients with pasta, creating a hearty dish that satisfies meat and cheese lovers of all ages.
  • Slow Cooker Magic: Crockpot method allows hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld together while you tackle other tasks or relax during the day.
  • Customizable Goodness: Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can adjust cheese types, add extra vegetables, or swap meat for personal preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
  • Ground Beef: The classic protein that provides a robust and meaty foundation for the casserole.
  • Provolone Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that adds a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that bring sweetness and depth to the dish.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: A flavorful liquid that creates a rich and savory sauce.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture following package directions. Drain the pasta completely and set it aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Beef and Vegetables

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Add:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Cook until vegetables become tender and beef is fully cooked.

Step 3: Create First Layering

Spread half of the cooked pasta across the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half of the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese Layer

Generously distribute half of the shredded provolone cheese over the first layer.

Step 5: Build Secondary Layer

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

Step 6: Whisk Flavor Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 7: Pour Sauce

Evenly drizzle the prepared sauce across the entire casserole.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours until the dish becomes hot and creamy.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak pasta casserole while it’s warm.

Tips for Rich Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain texture when slow cooking, ensuring a perfect bite in the casserole.
  • Sear beef until well-browned to develop rich, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall dish.
  • Add cheese in layers for even distribution and creamy, gooey results throughout the pasta.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend that coats every pasta strand and beef piece.
  • Use crockpot's low setting to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender without overcooking.

Flavor Twists on Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace provolone with crumbled feta cheese and add sliced olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative.
  • Mushroom Lovers' Option: Mix in sautéed cremini or portobello mushrooms for an earthy, rich flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings with Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the dish's hearty profile.
  • Serve with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing to balance the pasta's richness, adding fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and mixed greens for contrast.
  • Enhance with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty French bread with garlic butter to provide a crunchy texture that perfectly soaks up the casserole's savory sauce, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the meal.
  • Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the robust meat and cheese flavors, offering a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.

  • Do I need to precook the pasta completely?

Yes, cook the pasta to al dente before adding to the crockpot. This prevents mushy texture and ensures perfect pasta consistency.

  • What type of bell peppers work best?

Green bell peppers are traditional for Philly cheesesteak flavor, but you can use red or yellow for added sweetness and color.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, freeze before cooking, and thaw overnight before slow cooking. Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to cooking time.

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Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole brings together classic sandwich flavors in a comforting one-pot wonder. Melted provolone, tender beef, and bell peppers create a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers pure Midwestern comfort without complicated preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Thoroughly drain and set pasta aside.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear ground beef, breaking into small crumbles until completely browned and no pink remains.
  3. Add chopped onions and bell peppers to beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare crockpot by creating first foundation layer: spread half of cooked pasta across bottom of slow cooker.
  5. Distribute half of seasoned beef and vegetable mixture evenly over pasta layer.
  6. Generously sprinkle first portion of provolone cheese across meat layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
  7. Construct second layer by repeating pasta, meat mixture, and cheese sequence.
  8. Whisk beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in separate bowl to create flavorful liquid base.
  9. Carefully pour seasoned broth mixture over entire casserole, ensuring complete and even distribution.
  10. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low setting for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to become perfectly melted and creamy.
  11. Once cooking completes, let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor integration.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when slow cooking.
  • Pat beef dry before browning to achieve better caramelization and deeper flavor development.
  • Customize cheese by swapping provolone with mozzarella or adding cream cheese for extra richness.
  • Make gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or brown rice pasta and ensuring broth is gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 405 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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