Description
A delicious fusion dish combining the classic flavors of Philly cheesesteak with pasta shells. This hearty casserole features savory ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a rich creamy cheese sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the casserole to cook evenly, melting the cheese perfectly while ensuring the pasta doesn’t dry out during baking.
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften while baking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon into small, even pieces to ensure thorough cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The vegetables should release their flavors and blend well with the meat.
- Season and Add Liquid
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor. Stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the liquid to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until completely melted and well combined with the beef mixture. This creates a creamy base for the casserole.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture
- Combine the cooked pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Make sure all the shells are covered with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy for texture contrast.
- Rest Before Serving
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to portion and serve.
Notes
- For an authentic Philadelphia taste, consider using thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef.
- You can substitute provolone with a mix of provolone and mozzarella for extra stretch.
- Add mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a spicier version, add some hot peppers or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg