If you’re anything like me, you love a hearty, cheesy meal that comes together in a single skillet. Enter this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet, a dreamy mashup of everyone’s favorite sandwich and a comforting pasta dish. Imagine all the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak – tender beef, sweet onions, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese – transformed into a creamy, pasta-packed dinner. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or something cozy for the weekend, this dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that bring all the flavor but skip the endless pile of dishes. This recipe? A one-skillet wonder! Not only does it deliver bold flavors, but it also keeps things easy and fuss-free. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking – you’re in for a treat!

Start With the Basics: Preparing the Beef and Onions

The heart of any great Philly cheesesteak lies in the beef and onions. For this pasta version, we’re using ground beef to keep things simple and budget-friendly while still nailing that rich, meaty flavor. Here’s how to get started:

Heat Things Up: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. A good, large skillet is key here – you’ll need space for all the deliciousness to come!
Cook the Beef and Onions: Toss in 1 pound of ground beef along with ½ a diced yellow or sweet onion. Sauté them together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. (Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but let the beef sear slightly for added flavor.)
Add Worcestershire Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, stir in 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. This simple ingredient adds a rich, savory depth that mimics the classic cheesesteak flavor. Trust me – it makes all the difference!

Amp Up the Flavor With Bell Peppers and Pasta

What’s a cheesesteak without some bell peppers? Here, we’re keeping it classic with a green bell pepper, diced and ready to add some crunch and color. But don’t stop there – it’s time to bring the pasta into the mix.

Toss in the Veggies: Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and onions, stirring everything together to let those flavors meld.
Pasta Time: Measure out 8 ounces of elbow macaroni (uncooked) and pour it straight into the skillet. Don’t worry – this is where the magic happens!
Add the Liquids: To cook the pasta perfectly in the skillet, you’ll need liquid. Add 1 cup of water and a 14.5-ounce can of beef broth (or 2 cups of homemade beef broth if you have it). The broth not only cooks the pasta but also infuses it with a savory, meaty flavor that ties the dish together.
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Turn up the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and check to make sure the pasta is cooking evenly and absorbing most of the liquid.

Cheesy Perfection – The Heart of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Welcome back! By now, your skillet is brimming with perfectly cooked pasta and that irresistible combination of beef, onions, and bell peppers. But the true magic of this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet lies in the cheese sauce. This isn’t just a sprinkle of cheese; it’s a creamy, melty, flavor-packed topping that ties the whole dish together. Let’s dive in!

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

A great cheese sauce is the secret weapon for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. For this recipe, we’re combining three cheeses – cream cheese, mozzarella, and provolone – to create a luscious, gooey sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

Start With Milk and Cream Cheese: Keeping the skillet over low heat, stir in ½ cup of 2% milk and 2 ounces of cubed cream cheese. The milk adds creaminess, while the cream cheese gives the sauce a velvety texture and a slight tang. Stir gently until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the First Round of Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and about half of the torn provolone slices (3–4 ounces). Stir everything together until the cheeses have melted into the sauce, wrapping every piece of pasta in a blanket of creamy goodness.
The Final Cheese Layer: Spread the remaining provolone slices (another 3–4 ounces) over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This allows the provolone to melt completely, creating a gooey, bubbly topping that’s as delicious as it looks.

Garnishing and Serving Like a Pro

The finishing touch for any dish is what elevates it from “good” to “spectacular.” In this case, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is all you need to brighten up the rich flavors and add a pop of color.

Garnish With Fresh Parsley: Chop up a handful of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the skillet. It’s a small step, but it makes the dish look polished and adds a hint of freshness.
Serve It Up: This dish is a showstopper served straight from the skillet. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone dig in. Trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Cheese Choices: Provolone is key for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but feel free to experiment. Want a sharper bite? Swap in cheddar. Prefer extra gooeyness? Add more mozzarella.
Pasta Swaps: While elbow macaroni is a great choice, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work just as well. Their ridges and curves are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce.
Cooking the Pasta: If the liquid absorbs too quickly and the pasta isn’t fully cooked, just add a splash of water or beef broth and let it simmer for a couple of extra minutes.
Add Some Heat: For a spicy twist, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when you add the Worcestershire sauce.

FAQ and Making This Recipe Your Own

You’ve mastered the art of creating the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet, but there’s always room to customize and perfect your technique. In this final section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about this recipe and explore a few fun variations. Then, we’ll wrap up with tips to make this meal a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While ground beef is quick and convenient, you can substitute thinly sliced steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. Cook the steak slices with the onions until browned, then proceed with the recipe.
What if I don’t have a skillet large enough? If your skillet isn’t big enough to hold all the ingredients, you can cook the beef and onion mixture first, then transfer everything to a large pot or Dutch oven to finish cooking the pasta and cheese sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the final layer of provolone. Let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add the provolone topping just before serving.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
What vegetables can I add? Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes would pair beautifully with the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors.
What can I serve with this dish? This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a simple side salad or roasted vegetables would complement it nicely. Crusty bread is also a great option for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Dish

There’s something undeniably satisfying about transforming a beloved sandwich into a pasta dish that’s just as comforting and flavorful. The combination of tender beef, savory onions and peppers, creamy pasta, and gooey cheese hits all the right notes – and it’s made in just one skillet!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing dinner guests, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with easy substitutions and plenty of room for customization, you can make it your own every time.