Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Let’s talk comfort food—because this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is the ultimate game-changer. Imagine all the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but in a creamy, cheesy pasta form that practically melts in your mouth. The beauty of this dish is that it’s not only hearty and indulgent, but it’s also ridiculously easy to prepare. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! Perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or just a cozy dinner in, this casserole is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile

It’s the perfect dish for just about any occasion. After a long day, throw everything in the crockpot, and let it do all the hard work while you kick back. Or serve it up at a dinner party, and watch as everyone asks for the recipe!

Budget-Friendly

You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge. No need to break the bank to create a flavorful dish that feels like a treat.

Quick and Easy

The crockpot makes it so easy—no fuss, no mess. If you’re a beginner in the kitchen (or just looking to simplify things), this is your new best friend.

Customizable

Want to spice things up? Add some hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning for a kid-friendly version.

Crowd-Pleasing

This casserole is a total hit with both adults and kids! It’s cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this casserole. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the combination creates a mouthwatering dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Ground Beef:

The hearty base of this casserole. Brown it up for a rich, meaty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Bell Peppers:

The sweet crunch of bell peppers adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish, perfectly balancing out the richness of the cheese.

Onion:

A little caramelization of onions brings in a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that takes this casserole to the next level.

Cream Cheese:

This is where the magic happens. It creates the creamy, dreamy base that coats the pasta and brings everything together into one delicious, gooey bite.

Beef Broth:

Adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish and ensures the pasta stays nice and tender as it cooks.

Pasta:

The pasta soaks up all the deliciousness in the sauce and gets perfectly soft in the crockpot. It’s the perfect vehicle for all that cheesy goodness.

Provolone Cheese:

The gooey, melty cheese that turns this casserole into a comforting masterpiece. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Mozzarella Cheese:

A second layer of cheese that adds an extra richness and gooeyness. Because, honestly, can there ever be too much cheese?

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, comforting casserole.

Prepare Your Crockpot

Start by greasing the bottom of your crockpot. This will make cleanup a breeze and ensure nothing sticks as it cooks.

Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and add the beef to the crockpot.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until softened. This should only take about 5 minutes. Then, add them to the crockpot with the beef.

Add the Creamy Base

Now, it’s time to add the cream cheese, beef broth, and a little seasoning to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the cream cheese starts to melt and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Stir in the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the crockpot. Make sure it’s evenly distributed in the creamy sauce mixture. This is where the magic happens, as the pasta absorbs all that creamy goodness.

Add the Cheese

Top the mixture with provolone and mozzarella cheese. Give it a good stir, and let it all melt together in the crockpot. You’ll want to let it cook on low for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted, give everything one last stir. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, comforting casserole.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 serving
Calories per serving: 420 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

This dish pairs beautifully with several sides, but here are some of my favorites:

Fresh Salads

A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.

Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty loaf of bread to dip into the cheesy sauce—what could be better?

Roasted Vegetables

Lighten up the meal with roasted veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.

As a Standalone

Honestly, this casserole is so hearty, you can enjoy it all on its own. Just a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for that finishing touch!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even easier and more delicious:

Prep Ahead

Save yourself some time by chopping the vegetables the night before. You can also brown the meat ahead of time.

Spice It Up

Add a little extra heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Make It Lighter

To lighten it up, swap out the cream cheese for a lighter version or use a lower-fat cheese.

Freeze It

This casserole freezes really well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works great in this dish and will still give you that savory base.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep everything in the crockpot the night before, then just start it in the morning.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or crockpot for a quick meal.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A5: Reheat it gently in the crockpot or in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, adding a little extra broth to keep it moist.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Q8: Can I add extra veggies?
A8: Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add some diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper to give it a kick.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: Absolutely! Cheddar, Swiss, or even a pepper jack cheese would work wonderfully in this dish.

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