Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Every time I make this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole, it takes me back to those cozy family dinners where comfort food reigns supreme. The aroma wafting through the house brings back so many wonderful memories, and I can almost hear my late mother’s laughter as we gathered around the table. There’s something about a hearty meal that wraps you in warmth, don’t you think? I know that once you try this dish, it will hold a special place in your heart just as it does in mine.

So, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful casserole that will surely become a crowd-pleaser in your home. I promise you, it’s as easy as it is delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef: This is the star of our dish, adding that rich flavor and heartiness that everyone loves.
• 1 onion, diced: Onions bring a lovely sweetness when they sauté, which really rounds out the flavors.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Fresh bell peppers add a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: You can never have too many peppers! This one adds a sweet, mild flavor to the mix.
• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini): Choose your favorite pasta shape; it helps soak up all that delicious sauce!
• 2 cups beef broth: This will create a lovely base for the casserole and enhance the beefy flavor.
• 1 cup cream cheese: This is the secret to that creamy goodness that coats everything just perfectly!
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: You can’t have a cheesesteak casserole without cheese!
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Garlic adds such a warm, savory aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for bringing out those flavors!

Now that we have our ingredients gathered, let’s walk through the cooking steps together!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as you go. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat and set it aside for now.

2. Prep the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, chop your onion, and both bell peppers. I always find that having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Combine Everything in the Crockpot: Grab your trusted crockpot and dump in the browned ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Then, add in the uncooked pasta along with 2 cups of beef broth. Don’t forget the garlic powder, salt, and pepper! Give it all a good stir to combine.

4. Let it Cook: Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is perfectly tender and all those wonderful flavors have melded together. This is the part where you can kick back and relax—your home is going to smell amazing!

5. Add the Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before you intend to serve it, it’s time to make it creamy. Toss in that wonderful cream cheese and shredded provolone. Stir gently until everything is melted and dreamy. Just picture that gooey cheese pulling apart as you serve it—heavenly!

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s ready, scoop generous servings into bowls and enjoy the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take their first bites. Trust me, you’re going to feel like a kitchen hero!

Why I Love Making This Dish: This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibe. It reminds me of the good old days when families would come together over hearty food and warm laughter. Every bite is a comfort, and I love that I can make it in my crockpot. There’s something about slow-cooked meals that just feel more special. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving. If you’ve got a little bit of this or that in the fridge, you can toss it in with no problem!

What You’ll Need: Apart from your ingredients, you really just need a skillet for browning the beef and your beloved crockpot. A good wooden spoon for stirring is always helpful, too. If you have any measuring cups hanging around, those will come in handy for the broth and cheese!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat your skillet to medium heat.
2. Brown the ground beef and drain it.
3. Dice your veggies while the beef cooks.
4. Combine beef, veggies, pasta, broth, and seasonings in the crockpot.
5. Set to low and let it cook for 4-6 hours.
6. Add cream cheese and provolone 30 minutes before serving.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results: I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure this dish comes out perfectly every time. First, make sure to really brown the beef well; this adds layers of flavor. I also like to add a splash more beef broth if it looks a little dry before I add in the cheeses. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time; good things come to those who wait!

Serving Suggestions and Sides: This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up any saucy leftovers. Garlic bread is another fantastic option! Sometimes, I’ll whip up a quick coleslaw on the side to cut through the creaminess of the dish.

Leftovers: Now, let’s talk about those glorious leftovers. If you happen to have some left (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When it’s time to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop. I always recommend adding a splash of beef broth when reheating to keep it nice and creamy. It’s almost like a second meal, and trust me, you’ll want it!

FAQ Section: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option, and I’ve made it with turkey before. It’s just as delicious.

Is there a vegetarian option for this dish? You can definitely swap the ground beef for a meat substitute like lentils, black beans, or even mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you’re using something that cooks faster!

Can I use a different type of cheese? Of course! While provolone is traditional, you can mix it up with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Just be sure to use something you love!

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta? Nope! The wonderful thing about this crockpot recipe is that the pasta cooks right in with all those amazing flavors. Just make sure it’s not overcooked by watching the timing.

This dish has become such a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Imagine your family gathered around the dinner table, digging into heaping bowls of this creamy, cheesy goodness. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do! Please let me know how it turns out—your family might just ask for seconds, just like mine does every time I serve it up!