This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting pasta dish. Using minced beef instead of steak keeps the recipe lower in calories while still delivering that rich, cheesy goodness. This easy, filling meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 250g minced beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 200g pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)

• 150g spreadable cheese (e.g., cream cheese or cheese spread)

• 200ml beef stock

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Minced Beef: In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

4. Make the Sauce: Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and spreadable cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

5. Combine: Add the cooked minced beef back into the pan with the sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Serve: Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 397 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 47g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Sugars: 5g

Why Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Works So Well

The allure of the Philly cheesesteak lies in its combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and flavorful vegetables, all served in a soft roll. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta brings these beloved components together in a new, comforting format. By using minced beef, this recipe mimics the traditional cheesesteak’s savory, beefy flavor while cutting down on the need for thick slices of steak, making the dish more accessible and quicker to prepare.

The sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic add that signature veggie crunch and sweetness, balancing the rich beef and creamy cheese. The creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta beautifully, turning every bite into a decadent experience without the heaviness of a traditional cheesesteak sandwich. The combination of these elements creates a dish that’s both familiar and new, offering the best of both worlds in a single plate.

The Importance of Minced Beef in This Recipe

Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced rib-eye or another cut of steak, which gives the sandwich its characteristic texture and flavor. However, by using minced beef in Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, the dish becomes easier to prepare, quicker to cook, and more cost-effective. Minced beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce and vegetables while offering a similar, satisfying texture to the thinly sliced steak used in the sandwich.

The minced beef also helps to make the dish more accessible to a wider range of diets, as it can be found at a lower cost than steak. Plus, it cooks faster, making it a great option for weeknight meals when you’re short on time but still craving the indulgent flavors of a cheesesteak. The beef is seasoned and sautéed to perfection, giving it a rich, savory flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce and vegetables in the pasta.

Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens in Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. Using spreadable cheese like cream cheese or cheese spread creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce that mimics the melty cheese in a Philly cheesesteak. These cheeses melt easily, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta and beef, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience.

To further enrich the sauce, beef stock is added to give the dish a savory depth. The beef stock, combined with Worcestershire sauce, helps create a balanced, full-bodied sauce that complements the flavor of the beef and vegetables. The Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami kick, making the sauce even more savory and adding that signature tanginess that pairs so well with the richness of the cheese.

As the spreadable cheese melts into the beef stock, the sauce thickens and becomes more flavorful, providing the perfect consistency for coating the pasta. The creamy sauce ties all the components of the dish together, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.

The Role of Vegetables in the Dish

Vegetables are an important component of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, as they add both flavor and texture to the dish. The onions, bell peppers, and garlic provide that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor profile, offering a balance of sweetness, earthiness, and depth to the dish. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the sauce helps bring out their natural sugars and enhances their flavor.

The onions and bell peppers provide a slight crunch and freshness, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce and tender beef. The garlic adds aromatic depth, infusing the entire dish with a fragrant savory note that ties the flavors together. These vegetables help balance the richness of the beef and cheese, creating a well-rounded dish that doesn’t feel overly heavy, even though it’s indulgent and filling.

The Versatility of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

One of the best things about Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is its versatility. While this recipe calls for penne or fusilli, you can easily swap in any pasta shape you prefer. Pasta shapes with grooves, like rigatoni or ziti, work particularly well, as they hold the creamy sauce more effectively. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese spreads or add some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta can be served with a variety of sides to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a lighter option, pair the pasta with a fresh, crunchy salad made with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. If you prefer a heartier meal, serve it with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The balance of the creamy pasta with roasted veggies provides a satisfying contrast, while still keeping the meal light and healthy.

If you’re a fan of spice, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce, which will add a subtle kick to the dish. This added heat works beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce and savory beef, giving the dish a bit of extra excitement. For those who prefer a vegetarian version, the minced beef can be substituted with plant-based protein or tofu, making the dish suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. From start to finish, the recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. The use of minced beef and spreadable cheese ensures that the dish comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe also requires minimal clean-up, as the entire dish is made in one pan. After sautéing the beef and vegetables, all that’s left is to make the sauce and toss it with the cooked pasta. It’s a no-fuss meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal work, making it ideal for hectic nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a great option for those looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without the high calorie count of traditional cheesesteak sandwiches. The minced beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. With 28 grams of protein per serving, this dish helps meet your daily protein needs while still being filling and satisfying.

The vegetables in the dish add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the spreadable cheese and beef stock contribute a creamy, rich texture without adding excessive amounts of fat or calories. The dish is balanced and nutrient-dense, offering a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. The use of low-calorie ingredients and portion control makes this dish a great option for anyone looking to manage their calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is an exciting and satisfying twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. By using minced beef, spreadable cheese, and sautéed vegetables, this dish offers all the rich, savory flavors of a cheesesteak but in a lighter, more accessible pasta format. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make, and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or a way to enjoy the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the heaviness, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the perfect solution. With its balance of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.