If you have ever craved the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want to enjoy it in a comforting and hearty pasta dish, then this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender ground beef blended with sweet bell peppers and onions, all slow-cooked with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up every bit of rich broth. It’s a total game-changer that combines all the joy of a cheesesteak sandwich with the warm satisfaction of a pasta casserole, and yes, it’s made so simple in your crockpot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role. They work together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform a humble meal into something unforgettable. Best of all, these ingredients are easy to find and easy to prep, making the whole process a breeze.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor and protein to anchor the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings aromatic sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, pungent undertones.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the savory elements.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick for depth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses it with rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Introduces creamy texture and umami notes.
- 8 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold sauce and layers of flavor.
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella): Melts to luscious, gooey perfection throughout.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a beautiful golden crust.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens the dish and adds a splash of vibrant green.
How to Make Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, releasing their delicious aromas. This step is where the foundation of flavor is built, and browning the beef properly will give your casserole a rich, hearty taste. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture into your crockpot. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup, stirring everything well so the flavors meld beautifully. This step ensures all seasonings and liquids are perfectly balanced and ready to infuse the pasta.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Stir the uncooked rotini or penne pasta right into the crockpot mixture, making sure each piece is coated with the savory broth and creamy mushroom soup. This is the secret to perfectly tender pasta, as it slowly absorbs the flavors while cooking, resulting in a comforting texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking. This long, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the pasta to soften to a perfect al dente—soft but still with a bit of bite that holds everything together in the best way.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Fifteen minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in 1 cup of the shredded provolone cheese until melted and wonderfully creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining provolone and shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it cook until the cheese melts completely and forms a bubbly, irresistible crust. This finishing step is pure magic, transforming the casserole into a cheesy, gooey delight.
How to Serve Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and add a hint of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the casserole just before serving. The bright green flecks not only look beautiful but also lend a subtle, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Their fresh, crunchy texture will provide a lovely contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual dinner or potluck, serve this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe right from the crockpot to keep it warm and cozy. Alternatively, spoon servings into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to save some for a busy day later on. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture and keep the pasta tender.
FAQs
Can I use steak instead of ground beef in this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak can be sautéed and used in place of ground beef to bring a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience to the casserole. Just be sure to cook it until just browned to avoid drying it out during the slow cooking process.
Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?
While cream of mushroom soup adds a delicious, creamy umami richness, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer. The key is achieving that creamy texture which binds everything together.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Uncooked rotini or penne are ideal because their shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with other sturdy pasta types that can hold up well during slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready, combine everything in the crockpot with the other ingredients and proceed with cooking. This makes meal prep super convenient.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef and vegetables. Adjust the spice level according to your taste for a fiery twist on this comforting casserole.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming dish that ticks all the boxes — simple to make, packed with flavor, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy a bit of Philly cheesesteak magic in the most comforting form imaginable!
Print
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that combines the classic flavors of Philly cheesesteak with tender pasta and melted cheese. Made with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy mushroom soup base, it’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich, savory dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Transfer to Crockpot and Add Seasonings: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crockpot. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, beef broth, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Combine: Pour in the uncooked rotini or penne pasta and stir again to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir the casserole once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese to Melt: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in 1 cup of the shredded provolone cheese until melted evenly throughout the casserole.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining provolone and the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot again and cook until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or swap the ground beef for thinly sliced steak.
- If the casserole becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk or additional beef broth before serving for a creamier texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rotini depending on preference.
- This meal can be prepared in advance and reheated gently for leftovers.
