Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, following the package instructions.

Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef and vegetables. Cooking the pasta separately makes it easy to combine everything once the sauce is ready.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Cook the Vegetables

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. As the beef begins to brown, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper about halfway through the browning process.

Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened. This brings the main ingredients together before the sauce is added.

Step 3: Make the French Onion Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the condensed French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens.

The thickened sauce will help coat the pasta and bring the beef and vegetables together in every serving.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and stir until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Make sure the beef and vegetables are distributed throughout the pasta.

Sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt during baking, creating a rich, cheesy layer over the pasta mixture.

Step 5: Bake Until the Cheese Is Melted

Transfer the ovenproof skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Once it’s ready, the dish will have a melted cheese topping over the pasta, beef, vegetables, and savory sauce. Serve it as a hearty main course while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

• Cook the pasta until al dente: Follow the package instructions and avoid overcooking the penne before it goes into the oven.

• Prepare the vegetables ahead of time: Slice the mushrooms and chop the onion and bell pepper before you begin cooking. This makes it easier to add everything to the skillet at the right stage.

• Let the beef brown properly: Cook the ground beef until browned, then continue cooking with the vegetables until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened.

• Mix the cornstarch with cold water first: Whisking these together until smooth helps prevent lumps from forming when you add the mixture to the sauce.

• Allow the sauce to thicken: Follow the recipe’s 5-minute simmering stage, checking that the sauce has thickened before adding the pasta.

• Be careful with the salt: French onion soup and cheese already contribute salt, so taste and season thoughtfully.

• Watch the cheese during baking: Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, as directed in the recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Pasta that is too soft before baking may become softer during the final cooking stage. Cook it until al dente according to the package instructions.

• Adding the cornstarch directly to the skillet: Cornstarch can form lumps if it isn’t mixed properly. Whisk it with cold water until smooth before adding it to the sauce.

• Skipping the sauce-thickening stage: Adding the pasta before the sauce has thickened can leave you with a thinner consistency. Let the mixture simmer for the specified time, or until it thickens.

• Underseasoning or oversalting: Adding too much salt without accounting for the French onion soup and cheese can make the dish overly salty. Season carefully.

• Overcooking shaved steak: If you choose the steak substitution, follow the recipe notes and cook it separately before adding it back at the end.

• Baking for too long: The goal is melted, lightly browned cheese. Keep an eye on the topping as the pasta finishes in the oven.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

The original Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe combines ground beef, penne, mushrooms, onion, green bell pepper, French onion soup, and two cheeses. If you’d like to experiment, here are a few optional ideas to consider.

• Use thinly shaved steak: For a version that’s closer to a traditional cheesesteak, replace the ground beef with thinly shaved steak. Cook it separately to help prevent overcooking, then add it back at the end.

• Try a different pasta shape: Cavatappi or rigatoni can be used instead of penne if you prefer a different shape. The final texture may vary slightly.

• Choose cremini mushrooms: Swap the white button mushrooms for cremini mushrooms, which are already listed as an alternative in the ingredient notes.

• Experiment with the cheese blend: You can try a different melting cheese if you prefer, although this will change the flavor and texture from the original provolone and mozzarella combination.

• Add a little heat: If you enjoy spicy food, a small amount of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños can provide extra heat. These are optional additions rather than part of the original recipe.

• Explore a meat-free version: Plant-based ground meat or another suitable meat substitute could be used for a vegetarian-inspired variation. You’ll also need to check that the soup and cheese you choose are suitable for your dietary requirements, and the result will differ from the original recipe.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty main dish, so it pairs well with simple sides that balance its rich sauce and melted cheese.

• A fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a light dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the beef and cheese.

• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or another favorite vegetable for extra variety at the table.

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make easy sides when you want to keep dinner simple.

• Garlic bread: Bread is a good option for anyone who enjoys something to serve alongside the savory sauce.

• A light drink: Water with lemon, iced tea, or sparkling water can round out the meal without making it feel too heavy.

For a casual family dinner, serve the pasta straight from the skillet if it is suitable for serving. It also works well as part of a relaxed weekend meal when you want something filling and easy to share.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can You Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Ahead of Time?

Yes. The recipe notes suggest preparing the pasta and beef-vegetable mixture separately and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish the dish.

When it’s time to cook, combine the prepared components, add the cheese, and bake as directed. Keep in mind that the final texture may differ slightly from a dish assembled and baked immediately.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftover pasta to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The original recipe specifically recommends airtight refrigerated storage.

For food safety, refrigerate leftovers promptly and follow standard food-safety guidance for cooked meat and pasta.

Can You Freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?

Freezing is an option if you’d like to save leftovers for another meal. The original recipe’s accompanying notes mention freezing for up to 2–3 months.

For the best texture, remember that pasta and melted cheese can change slightly after freezing and thawing. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to a suitable airtight freezer container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Reheat Leftovers

The recipe notes recommend reheating leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave on reduced power.

Reheat gently and check that the pasta is heated through. Avoid using unnecessarily high heat, which can make reheated pasta less pleasant in texture.