There’s something about the combination of tender beef, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that just feels like a hug in a bowl. The Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole takes everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and turns it into an easy, comforting, cheesy casserole. The best part? You get all of this goodness with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you sit back and relax! Trust me, this will quickly become one of your go-to recipes when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole
This casserole is a total game-changer for a cozy meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Here’s why it’s going to become a family favorite:
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it work its magic. No need to stand by the stove—this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a tasty, homemade dinner without the fuss.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasoned beef, bell peppers, onions, and creamy cheese makes every bite a flavor explosion. It’s savory, cheesy, and so satisfying.
- Comforting and Hearty: This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal. It’s rich, filling, and packed with all the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors we love.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customizable: Want to add extra veggies or use a different type of cheese? Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole:
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, providing that rich, savory flavor.
- Onion: Adds a little sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the beef.
- Bell peppers: Use red, green, or a mix—these bring color and flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: For that extra layer of flavor that makes everything taste so much better.
- Cream cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that brings the whole casserole together.
- Beef broth: For a rich, savory base that helps the flavors meld together as it cooks.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini works great here, holding the sauce and cheese perfectly.
- Shredded provolone cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully and gives the casserole that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that stretchy, melty goodness we all crave in a cheesy casserole.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning to give the dish a little extra flavor boost.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Ready to get this delicious meal started? Let’s dive into the steps:
Prep the Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup so much easier!
Sauté the Beef and Veggies
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This will give the dish a nice flavor base.
Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the cooked beef and veggie mixture into the Crockpot. Add the cream cheese, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir everything together until the cream cheese starts to melt and everything is well combined.
Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce and meat mixture. The pasta will cook as it simmers in the Crockpot, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Slow Cook the Casserole
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for [cook time] hours. You’ll want the pasta to be tender, and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to stir once or twice to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Add the Cheese
Once the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve and Enjoy!
Give everything a final stir and then serve up a big, hearty scoop of this creamy, cheesy casserole. You’ve just created a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
- Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
- Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas to elevate your dinner:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty piece of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this cheesy casserole. It’s perfect for sopping up all that extra sauce!
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. Think spinach, arugula, or mixed greens with a lemony dressing.
- Steamed Veggies: A side of lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds a healthy touch to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw would be a great contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Additional Tips
- Pasta Choice: Penne or rotini works best here because they can hold onto the cheese and sauce, but feel free to swap it with other pasta shapes if you prefer.
- Beef Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a lighter option.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a little extra kick.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the beef and veggie mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it into the Crockpot in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers store great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time]. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the Crockpot.
Q2: Can I double the recipe?
A2: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a larger Crockpot to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so check for doneness as you go.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time]. This casserole tastes even better the next day, once all the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to [time]. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or Crockpot.
Q5: What type of cheese can I use?
A5: While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, you can swap them out with other cheeses like cheddar or even Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Q6: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can prep this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the Crockpot and let it cook.
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole combines the savory flavors of Philly cheesesteak with pasta in a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. The crockpot makes it an easy, hands-off meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- In the crockpot, layer half of the pasta, followed by half of the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded provolone cheese over the first layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the casserole is hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of cheese like mozzarella if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (depending on size)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg