Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

with seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, onions, and melty cheese—all baked to perfection with pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck star.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Comfort – Melty cheese with savory beef and pasta is always a win.
All-in-One Meal – Protein, veggies, and carbs in one satisfying dish.
Philly-Inspired Flavor – Classic cheesesteak taste with a pasta twist.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as amazing reheated the next day.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and easy to customize.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for extra depth)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
• 1½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Topping:

• ½ cup extra shredded cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Whisk and saucepan for cheese sauce
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon or spatula
Oven or toaster oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add onions, green and red bell peppers, and garlic.
Sauté until the veggies are tender (about 5-6 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly (3-4 minutes).
Reduce heat and stir in the provolone and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce.
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve
Top the casserole with extra shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overboil.
Use Melty Cheese – Provolone or mozzarella are perfect for that classic cheesesteak flavor.
Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Add Mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the veggies for added flavor.
Swap Meats – Use shaved steak slices or ground turkey for a different take.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – A crunchy side to soak up the cheesy goodness.
Simple Green Salad – Light and refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy veggie side and a pop of color.
Sweet Tea or Lemonade – Balances out the savory, cheesy flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend work well too.
2. Is it okay to use leftover steak?
   Absolutely! Chop it up and add it with the veggies instead of ground beef.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the sauce.
4. What’s the best pasta shape for this?
   Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti hold up best in bakes.

Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake combines the best of both worlds—classic sandwich flavors and comforting baked pasta. It’s an easy, cheesy, family-approved dish you’ll make again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Try it out and let us know what twists you add! Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 590mg

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