Ingredients
Scale
- Protein & Pasta:
- 1 lb. 90/10 lean ground beef or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. penne or rotini pasta
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (freshly grated for smooth melting)
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Liquid Base:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the green bell pepper and onion.
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature and shred provolone cheese.
- Slice beef or ground beef into thin strips if using ribeye steak.
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Cook the Pasta:
- In a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, bring 4-5 quarts of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
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Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef (ground or sliced ribeye) and cook until browned (about 6-10 minutes for ground beef or 1 minute per side for steak strips). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and caramelize.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Gradually add the beef broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the shredded provolone cheese a little at a time until fully melted and combined. Season with Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the cooked pasta and beef to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated with the cheese sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
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Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Smart Substitutions:
- Gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or protein pasta can be used for different dietary needs.
- Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can replace provolone for a different flavor profile.
- To make the dish lactose-free, use lactose-free cream cheese and cheese options.
- Storage Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of beef broth to restore the creamy texture.
- You can make this ahead of time and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a little broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot cooking (sautéing, simmering)
- Cuisine: American (Philly Cheesesteak inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free