Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly cheesesteak lovers will be thrilled with this cozy, cheesy pasta dish that brings together ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy, rich sauce inspired by French onion soup. It’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy nights, delivering all the deliciousness of the classic sandwich with noodles to soak up every bite. This recipe is hearty, full of flavor, and sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 ratio recommended)
  • 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta, cooked as per package directions
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can Campbell’s French Onion Soup
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced small
  • Optional 2 cups mushrooms, diced small
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire or soy sauce

How to Create Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, pepper, and optional mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This step develops the base flavor, softening the veggies to a tender bite while releasing their natural sweetness.

2. Cook the Beef:

Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Since lean beef is used, draining is generally unnecessary, keeping the sauce rich but not greasy.

3. Season Well:

Sprinkle in paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Pour in Worcestershire or soy sauce to add depth and authentic Philly flavor. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the seasoning with the beef and vegetables.

4. Add Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the can of French onion soup, then add softened cream cheese to the mixture. Stir over low heat until cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce infused with caramelized onion flavor.

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Fold the cooked rotini pasta into the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece in the luscious cream sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Melt Mozzarella:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture, cover with a lid, and let sit on low heat for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts. Gently stir before serving for ooey-gooey deliciousness in every bite.

See also  Cornbread Stuffing

My Best Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Close-up of cheesy Philly cheesesteak pasta with rotini, ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Use Lean Beef for Healthy Richness:

Choosing lean ground beef means no greasy mess and a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor. The fat content is just right to keep everything juicy and delicious.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key:

Cold cream cheese won’t melt properly and can create lumps. Take it out an hour before cooking or microwave briefly on low to soften.

Sauté Veggies Thoroughly:

Allow onions, peppers, and mushrooms to soften well to fully bring out their sweetness, which balances the savory meaty sauce.

Salt Gradually and Taste:

With many salty ingredients (French onion soup, Worcestershire, celery salt), it’s important to season gradually and taste to avoid over-salting.

Use Rotini or Similar Pasta:

Rotini’s twists trap sauce perfectly. Fusilli or penne also work well to hold extra cheesy, saucy goodness.

Delicious Variations to Try

Add Fresh or Frozen Spinach:

Stir fresh baby spinach into the sauce just before adding cheese, allowing it to wilt gently for a nutritional boost.

Spice it Up:

Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick that complements the savory flavors.

Change the Cheese Blend:

Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend of provolone and Monterey Jack for richer, sharper flavors.

Use Different Mushrooms:

Swap button mushrooms for cremini, portobello, or shiitake for deeper umami taste.

FAQs

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on stove or microwave. Add fresh cheese topping after reheating.

Can I Prepare Components Ahead?

Brown the beef and veggies and prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

What to Do If French Onion Soup Is Unavailable?

Simmer caramelized onions in beef broth with a splash of soy sauce, add cream cheese, and whisk until smooth to mimic French onion soup flavor.

Print
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Creamy Philly cheesesteak pasta with ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta, cooked as per package directions
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can Campbell’s French Onion Soup
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced small
  • Optional: 2 cups mushrooms, diced small
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using); sauté until softened and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes.

  2. Add ground beef; cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery salt. Stir in Worcestershire or soy sauce and dried parsley. Cook 2 minutes to blend flavors.

  3. Pour in French onion soup and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

  4. Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. Add splash of water or broth to loosen sauce if needed.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pasta. Cover and cook over low heat 3–5 minutes until cheese melts. Stir gently and serve.

Notes

  • Layering spices and adding Worcestershire sauce brings authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.

  • Use lean ground beef to keep sauce smooth and avoid greasiness.

  • Rotini’s spiral shape holds sauce well; fusilli or penne are good options.

  • Add extra vegetables or switch cheeses for variety.

  • Cook vegetables and beef ahead for easy meal prep.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 454
  • Sodium: 768 mg
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 89 mg

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, comfort food, pasta skillet, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

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