This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Pasta Shells transforms the iconic Philadelphia sandwich into a comforting, family-friendly baked dish. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and melty cheese creates a delicious fusion of flavors that captures the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It combines two comfort food favorites—Philly cheesesteaks and pasta casserole—into one satisfying meal
• Perfect for busy weeknights with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation
• Great for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Kid-friendly while still appealing to adult palates with its rich, savory flavors
• Easily customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences or dietary needs

Ingredients

• Pasta Shells: These medium-sized shells are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. You can substitute with penne, rotini, or any short pasta shape if needed.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meat and vegetables. A neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil works as an alternative.
• Ground Beef: Look for lean ground beef for the best texture and less grease. You can also use ground sirloin for a more authentic steak experience.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides the classic Philly cheesesteak vegetable component. Choose firm peppers with glossy skin for the best flavor.
• Onion: Yellow onions work best for their mild sweetness when cooked, but white onions are also excellent in this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor that’s essential for that authentic cheesesteak taste.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich base for the sauce. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess and tanginess to the sauce. Full-fat works best, but reduced-fat can be used too.
• Provolone Cheese: This traditional cheesesteak cheese has the perfect melt and flavor. Look for a good quality provolone for the best results.

Variations

Chicken Philly Casserole

Substitute ground chicken or diced chicken breast for the beef to create a lighter version of this comfort food classic. Season the chicken a bit more generously and consider adding a touch of poultry seasoning for extra flavor.

Vegetarian Philly Casserole

Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or use a mix of mushrooms (particularly portobello) and extra bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and consider adding nutritional yeast for an extra savory flavor.

Spicy Philly Casserole

Turn up the heat by adding jalapeños or banana peppers to the vegetable mix, incorporating red pepper flakes, or using pepper jack cheese along with or instead of the provolone. You can also add a tablespoon of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Preheat Oven

Cook the pasta shells until they’re just al dente according to package directions. Remember they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking them helps prevent mushiness. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need it.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once the beef is no longer pink, add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the vegetables soften and become aromatic, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Season the beef and vegetable mixture with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to distribute the flavors. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the cream cheese in chunks, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the meat and vegetables.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Combine the cooked pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture, folding gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated without breaking the shells. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown in spots.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook the pasta just until al dente or even slightly under, as it will continue to cook in the oven
• For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage
• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the skillet for smoother incorporation
• Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it seems too thick
• For the best cheese pull, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set slightly for easier serving

How to Serve

Serve this cheesesteak casserole hot from the oven in generous portions alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce. For an authentic Philadelphia experience, offer banana peppers or hot cherry peppers on the side for those who enjoy a bit of tang and heat. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool counterpoint to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The assembled casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Yes! While shells are ideal for catching the creamy sauce, any medium-sized pasta works well. Try penne, rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta to al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner), reduced-fat cream cheese, and part-skim mozzarella in place of some of the provolone. You can also increase the vegetables and reduce the meat portion, or even substitute ground turkey for the beef.

Can I add mushrooms to make it more like a traditional Philly cheesesteak?

Absolutely! Sliced white or baby bella mushrooms would be a delicious addition. Add them to the skillet when you’re cooking the peppers and onions, and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown for the best flavor.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with some golden brown spots. The edges should be slightly crispy, and when you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Pasta Shells brings together the beloved flavors of a classic Philadelphia sandwich in a comforting, family-friendly format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables, this casserole is sure to become a requested favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or experiment with one of the variations, you’re in for a delicious dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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