Ultimate One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Your Easy Weeknight Meal Solution
Craving the classic, savory flavors of a beloved Philly cheesesteak but short on time and looking for an easy dinner solution? Look no further than this incredible One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. This straightforward recipe transforms the iconic sandwich into a comforting, hearty pasta dish, all cooked in a single pot. Featuring tender ground beef, sweet sautéed onions, crisp green bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce made with softened cream cheese and melted provolone, it’s a meal that promises maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings the essence of Philadelphia’s famous sandwich to your dinner table in a whole new, delightful way.
This simple yet satisfying pasta recipe is a true game-changer, combining the robust, savory profile of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich with the comforting ease of a pasta bake. Our version heroes readily available ground beef (though we’ll discuss more authentic steak options later!), beautifully caramelized onions and peppers, all enveloped in an abundance of gooey, melted cheese. It’s designed to make your cooking experience as effortless as possible, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
The magic begins in a single large pot or Dutch oven where succulent ground beef, naturally sweet onions, and vibrant green bell peppers are perfectly cooked until tender and fragrant. This savory foundation is then elevated with a brown gravy mix, infusing deep, umami notes into the base. Next, penne pasta and rich beef broth are added, simmering together until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. The grand finale involves stirring in cubes of softened cream cheese and generous slices of provolone, which melt into a luxurious, thick, and unbelievably creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, destined to become a staple in your family’s rotation.
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If you’re as smitten with the concept of delicious, easy-to-clean-up meals as we are, you’ll adore this one-pot pasta dish. Be sure to explore my other fantastic single-pot creations like my creamy one-pot rigatoni, the vibrant one-pot sun-dried tomato pasta, and the ridiculously simple 4-ingredient mac and cheese. And for those nights when only more cheesy, beefy goodness will do, don’t miss my comforting Philly cheesesteak casserole!
Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Wonder
- Effortless Dinner Solution: This recipe is a dream for busy cooks. With minimal chopping required and everything cooking in a single pot, you’ll spend less time prepping and even less time cleaning up. It’s the ultimate hassle-free meal for any day of the week.
- Genuine One-Pot Meal: The true beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. From browning the meat to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, every step happens in one single pot. This not only makes the cooking process straightforward but also drastically cuts down on dirty dishes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Irresistibly Gooey and Creamy: Prepare for a flavor explosion! This cheesy pasta dish is loaded with a luxurious, velvety sauce, thanks to the combination of cream cheese and provolone. The melted cheese creates a rich, indulgent texture that is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and quickly become a new family favorite.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a perfect one-pot meal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for best results:
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for browning your meat and vegetables, adding a foundational layer of flavor to your dish. Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste, or a lighter olive oil for everyday cooking.
- Ground beef: We recommend your preferred ground beef for its convenience and rich flavor. Options like ground chuck (80/20) will provide more flavor and moisture, while ground round or sirloin (leaner cuts) are great if you prefer less fat. If you want a truly authentic Philly experience, check the substitution notes below for thinly sliced ribeye options.
- Sweet onion: A large sweet onion, thinly sliced, is key. Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, adding a natural sweetness and depth that balances the savory beef and peppers, mirroring the classic cheesesteak profile.
- Green bell pepper: One green bell pepper, sliced or diced, provides a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the meat and cheese. It’s a signature vegetable in a classic cheesesteak.
- Brown gravy mix: This secret weapon significantly enhances the beefy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce, creating that luscious, gravy-like consistency without much effort. Choose a good quality gravy mix for the best results.
- Penne pasta: This tube-shaped pasta is ideal for one-pot recipes as it holds up well during cooking and its ridges and hollow interior are perfect for capturing and holding the creamy, cheesy sauce. Other short pasta cuts can also work.
- Beef broth: Essential for cooking the pasta and building a rich, beefy flavor profile throughout the dish. Opt for a low-sodium beef broth to control the overall saltiness.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is what gives this pasta its incredibly creamy and smooth texture. It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a tangy richness that perfectly complements the savory notes.
- Provolone cheese slices: For that unmistakable, classic cheesesteak flavor, provolone is a must. Chopping the slices helps them melt more quickly and evenly into the sauce, ensuring every bite is gooey and delicious.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings, added to taste, to bring all the flavors into harmony. Don’t underestimate their power to elevate the dish.
- Fresh parsley: An optional garnish, but highly recommended. Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Creating this delicious one-pot meal is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for a perfect result:
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and warm, add your chosen ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef, using a spatula to break it up into small, even pieces, until it is fully browned. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
2. Add Veggies: Once the beef is nearly browned, add the thinly sliced sweet onions and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent. This mellows their flavor and enhances their sweetness. Before proceeding, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This prevents the final dish from being overly oily. You can use a spoon to scoop out the grease or tilt the pot and use paper towels to absorb it.
3. Flavor with Gravy Mix: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly coated. This step introduces a rich, savory depth that is characteristic of a classic cheesesteak.
4. Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, then pour the beef broth over everything. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked perfectly al dente. Remember to stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The remaining liquid will form the flavorful base of your creamy pasta sauce.
5. Incorporate Cheeses: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, uncover the pot. Add the softened cream cheese, cut into small cubes, and the chopped provolone cheese slices directly into the hot pasta mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly into the cooked pasta until the cheeses begin to distribute. Cover the pot once more and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes). This resting period allows the residual heat to perfectly melt the cheeses into a smooth, luscious sauce.
6. Final Stir and Serve: Remove the lid and give the pasta a final, vigorous stir to ensure all the melted cheese is evenly distributed, creating that signature thick and creamy sauce. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving (this step is optional, but highly recommended!). Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, effortlessly delicious One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta!
Smart Substitutions for Your One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some excellent substitutions:
- Pasta: While penne is great for its ability to hold sauce, almost any short pasta cut will work wonderfully in this one-pot dish. Consider using macaroni elbows for a classic comfort food feel, farfalle (bow-tie pasta) for a fun shape, or rotini pasta, which catches sauce beautifully in its spirals. Just ensure it’s a type that cooks in about 10-15 minutes.
- Ground beef: For an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, you can absolutely substitute the ground beef with very thinly sliced boneless ribeye steak or pre-sliced shaved steak (often found under brands like Steak-umm in the freezer aisle). These offer a texture closer to the traditional sandwich. If beef isn’t your preference, feel free to use other ground meats like ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter alternative. Adjust cooking times slightly for leaner meats.
- Gravy mix: If you don’t have brown gravy mix, you can create a similar savory depth. Substitute with a half teaspoon of onion powder, a teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste, and two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. You might also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to help thicken the sauce at the end.
- Green peppers: While green bell peppers offer a distinct flavor, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used for a sweeter profile and a pop of color. Alternatively, if bell peppers aren’t your favorite, you can simply omit them or replace them with other sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Cheese: The cheese is central to a cheesesteak! Beyond provolone and cream cheese, consider classic American cheese slices (for ultimate meltiness), Cheez Whiz (for a truly authentic, albeit processed, Philly experience), or even shredded mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese pull. A combination of cheeses can also be fantastic – perhaps provolone with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for extra tang.
Creative Variations for Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Experiment with these variations to customize your one-pot pasta to your taste:
- Mushrooms: For an earthy depth, add anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms to the meat and veggie mixture. It’s best to add them after the meat is browned and the onions and peppers have softened slightly, as mushrooms release a lot of moisture. Cook until their liquid has evaporated for the best texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the gravy mix, or diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) along with the bell peppers. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can also add a pleasant warmth.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Thinly sliced carrots, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or even finely chopped broccoli florets can be great additions.
- Light recipe: For a healthier take on this comforting dish, opt for lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. Use protein pasta for an extra boost, and consider reduced-fat cream cheese or omitting cream cheese entirely for a lighter sauce (though it will be less creamy). You can also reduce the amount of provolone cheese and significantly increase the quantity of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. For inspiration, check out this light Philly pasta recipe.
Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe
One of the best parts about this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is how little equipment you need! All you require for this recipe is a sturdy large pot or a Dutch oven. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating and prevents sticking. Additionally, you’ll want some basic cooking utensils like a silicone spatula for breaking up the meat and stirring, and a silicone cooking spoon for mixing and serving. That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
Storing & Reheating Your Leftovers
This One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping or a quick lunch the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this pasta can be frozen. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months. Label with the date for best practice.
- Reheating: If frozen, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little liquid to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
An authentic Philly cheesesteak is typically made with American cheese slices, provolone cheese (either sharp or mild), or the iconic Cheez Whiz. Each offers a slightly different flavor and texture, but all are classic choices.
Absolutely! While ground beef is used here for convenience, you can achieve a more traditional cheesesteak flavor by using thinly sliced ribeye steak or pre-shaved beef steak. For lighter options, ground chicken or ground turkey are also excellent substitutions.
This hearty pasta is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or some roasted garlic bread would complement it perfectly.
Discover More Easy One-Pot Meals!
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of this easy Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic one-dish and one-pot meals that promise flavor and minimal fuss:
- No-Boil Mac and Cheese
- One Pot Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- 4-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
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One Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Equipment
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Silicone spatula
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Cooking spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye/shaved steak)
- 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced or diced
- 0.87 ounce brown gravy mix (one packet)
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 3 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 6 ounces provolone cheese slices chopped (about 6-8 slices)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
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When the meat is nearly brown, add the sliced sweet onions and diced green bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.
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Add the brown gravy mix to the pot and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables, infusing the mixture with rich flavor.
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Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and pour the beef broth over everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The remaining liquid will form the sauce base.
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Once the pasta is cooked, uncover the pot. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and the chopped provolone cheese slices. Stir gently to begin distributing the cheeses. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes to allow the cheeses to melt completely into a creamy sauce.
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Remove the lid and stir vigorously until the melted cheese is evenly distributed throughout the pasta, creating a thick and luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
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Notes
Meat Options: For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor, consider using very thinly sliced ribeye steak or pre-shaved steak (like Steak-umm) instead of ground beef. You can usually find these in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores. If you prefer a lighter option, ground chicken or ground turkey also work well.
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking. Please adhere to these guidelines:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils that have come into contact with raw meat immediately after use.
For more comprehensive food safety information and guidelines, please refer to USDA.gov.