Description
Craving a hearty, comforting dish that captures the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a cozy pasta form? Look no further than Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! This delicious recipe combines tender ground beef or steak strips, sautéed green peppers and onions, a creamy cheese sauce, and melty provolone, all tossed with al dente pasta for a meal that’s pure comfort food bliss. The slow cooker makes the beefy, cheesy filling effortless, melding flavors into a rich, savory sauce, while a quick pasta boil and optional broil ensure the perfect texture and finish.
Ingredients
For the Philly Cheesesteak Base
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Ground Beef or Steak Strips (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory foundation.
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Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian.
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Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds sweet, crisp flavor.
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Substitution: Red bell pepper, poblano pepper, or mushrooms for variety.
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Onion (1, diced): Brings sweet, caramelized depth.
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Substitution: Shallots or 1 tsp onion powder.
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses savory warmth.
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Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder or ¼ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
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Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a creamy, rich sauce.
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Substitution: Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt, or vegan cream cheese.
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Beef Broth (1 cup): Forms the savory sauce base.
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Substitution: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with bouillon.
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Salt (½ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
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Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat.
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Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing.
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Substitution: Butter, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
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For the Pasta and Topping
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Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni recommended): Provides a sturdy, sauce-catching base.
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Substitution: Fusilli, farfalle, or gluten-free pasta.
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Shredded Provolone Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
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Substitution: Mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese.
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For Garnish (optional)
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Fresh Parsley or Chives (chopped): Adds vibrant color and freshness.
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Substitution: Green onions or no garnish.
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Why They’re Important: The beef or steak strips deliver the Philly cheesesteak’s meaty core, while peppers, onions, and garlic add authentic flavor. Cream cheese and beef broth create a velvety sauce, provolone provides the melty topping, and pasta makes it a hearty meal. Olive oil enhances sautéed flavors, and parsley elevates the dish with a fresh finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Meat
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add 1 lb ground beef or steak strips to the skillet. Cook, breaking up ground beef or stirring steak strips, for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Tip: Dice vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. For steak strips, slice thinly against the grain for tenderness. Sautéing adds depth but can be skipped if short on time (add raw ingredients to the slow cooker, though flavor will be milder).
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Step 2: Slow Cook the Philly Cheesesteak Base
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Transfer the cooked beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add 8 oz softened cream cheese (cut into chunks for easier melting) and 1 cup beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the mixture is hot, the cream cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even blending.
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Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup more broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes on high. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
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Step 3: Cook the Pasta
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About 20 minutes before the slow cooker is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne or rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes).
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Drain the pasta and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking if not using immediately.
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Tip: Undercook pasta by 1 minute to avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce. Rinse briefly with cold water if preparing ahead to stop cooking.
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Step 4: Combine and Top with Cheese
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Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat evenly with the creamy Philly cheesesteak sauce. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a large mixing bowl and toss with pasta for easier mixing.
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Sprinkle 1 cup shredded provolone cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Optional Broil: For a bubbly, golden cheese topping, transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with provolone, and broil in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Tip: Use tongs or a large spoon to mix pasta evenly. If skipping the broil, ensure the cheese is fully melted in the slow cooker. Use an oven-safe slow cooker insert if broiling directly.
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Step 5: Serve
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Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls or onto plates, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of sauce, beef, and melted cheese.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant, fresh finish.
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Serve hot with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Tip: Warm plates or bowls for a cozy presentation. Serve extra provolone or sauce on the side for cheese lovers.
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