Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake transforms the iconic sandwich into a hearty pasta dish that brings together the best of both worlds. The combination of seasoned beef, peppers, onions, and a rich Alfredo sauce creates a comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

I first made this dish when my brother was visiting from Philadelphia, and he was skeptical about messing with his hometown favorite. By the end of dinner, he was asking for the recipe to take back home!

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Brings the classic cheesesteak flavor while being more budget friendly than ribeye
• Bell peppers: Add sweetness and nutrition the way they do in an authentic cheesesteak shop
• Penne pasta: Holds up well to the hearty sauce and meat mixture
• Provolone cheese: Provides that authentic Philly taste but mozzarella works beautifully too
• Cream cheese: Creates an extra silky texture in the Alfredo sauce
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce decadently rich and impossible to resist
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty depth to the homemade Alfredo

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.

Cook The Meat Mixture:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the ground beef and begin breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. When it's about halfway browned, season with garlic powder, seasoned salt and black pepper. The partially cooked meat will better absorb the seasonings.

Add The Vegetables:

Once the beef is about halfway cooked, add your diced onions and both bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking until the vegetables have softened slightly but still maintain some texture. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy for the best texture contrast.

Prepare The Pasta:

While the meat mixture cooks, boil your pasta according to package directions but aim for al dente. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly underdone is perfect at this stage to prevent mushiness in the final dish.

Combine Components:

Drain the pasta thoroughly and spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish. Add the beef and vegetable mixture on top and gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the pasta.

Make The Alfredo Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Add garlic powder and Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until well incorporated. Allow the mixture to reach a slight boil, then immediately reduce to low heat and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Assemble And Bake:

Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta and meat mixture. Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes until everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

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The homemade Alfredo sauce is what truly elevates this dish from good to extraordinary. My grandmother taught me that a proper Alfredo should coat the back of a spoon, and this version does exactly that while infusing every bite with rich, garlicky flavor.

Steak Variation

For an even more authentic Philly experience, you can substitute thinly sliced ribeye steak for the ground beef. Simply slice the steak against the grain into thin strips, quickly sear it in a hot pan until just browned but still slightly pink inside, then continue with the recipe as written. The steak will finish cooking in the oven while maintaining its tenderness.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Complete all steps up to the baking portion, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce overnight, so have a little extra heavy cream on hand to add if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta bake with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For an authentic Philadelphia experience, offer small bowls of hot cherry peppers or pepper relish on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, bowties (farfalle), or medium shells. These shapes will hold the sauce well and maintain a similar texture in the final dish.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

→ What can I substitute for the heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won't be as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works well, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to the dish.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking, incorporating diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce before pouring it over the pasta.

→ Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute with 2-3 cups of store-bought Alfredo sauce if you're short on time. For more authentic flavor, consider adding extra garlic powder and freshly grated Parmesan to the store-bought sauce.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta bake?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a light Caesar salad to balance the richness of the pasta bake.