👉Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 8 oz cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef sirloin until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms to the crockpot with the beef.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, milk, and cream cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
5. Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded provolone cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
6. Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.
7. Serve: Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Storage and Reheating Tips:

• Storage: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, this casserole freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
  • Oven: For larger portions, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef sirloin with ribeye or flank steak, both of which work well for this dish.
2. Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add or swap in other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
3. Can I use a different cheese? Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses would work great in place of provolone.
4. Is there a low-carb version of this dish? You can use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb option.
5. Can I use frozen beef? It’s best to thaw frozen beef before adding it to the crockpot, but if it’s frozen, you can still cook it; just add extra time to the cooking process.
6. How do I make this spicier? Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a little extra heat.
7. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free cheese substitute to make this dish dairy-free.
8. What kind of pasta works best? Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work best for this dish.
9. How can I make this a one-pot meal? To make this a true one-pot dish, you can cook the pasta directly in the crockpot along with the other ingredients for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
10. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate it and cook it the next day.
11. What should I do if the sauce is too thick? Add a little extra beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
12. What can I serve with this casserole? A side salad or garlic bread works perfectly with this dish.
13. Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth for a different flavor.
14. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of sliced? Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms—just slice them yourself!
15. How can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free.
16. Can I add more cheese? Of course! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra provolone, or even a mix of different cheeses.
17. What should I do if my crockpot is too small? If your crockpot is too small, you can cut the recipe in half or use a larger cooking vessel.
18. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Use a plant-based beef alternative and vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version.
19. How do I thicken the sauce? If the sauce is too thin, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch or flour dissolved in water and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
20. Can I double this recipe? Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole:

1. Use fresh beef sirloin for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-packaged, frozen beef for a more tender result.
2. Sear the beef first: Browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot brings out richer flavors.
3. Customize the veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like poblano peppers, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for a twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
4. Add extra cheese: If you love cheesy dishes, sprinkle some additional provolone cheese on top and let it melt under the broiler for a crispy, cheesy top.
5. Use the right pasta: Choose a pasta that holds up well to the sauce. Short, sturdy pastas like penne or rigatoni are ideal.
6. Layer the ingredients: Place the beef at the bottom of the crockpot so it gets extra tender as it cooks.
7. Mix in some garlic: Add minced garlic to the beef mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Use full-fat cream cheese: This gives the casserole a creamier texture and richer flavor.
9. Don’t overcook the veggies: Add them just enough to soften them up, but avoid turning them into mush.
10. Stir in the pasta at the end: Add the cooked pasta in the last 30 minutes to keep it from becoming overcooked.
11. Season well: Taste the dish before serving and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning to bring out the flavors.
12. Double the cheese: Adding more provolone or even mozzarella can make this dish extra indulgent.
13. Use high-quality broth: The broth plays a key role in flavor, so opt for a rich, high-quality beef broth for the best result.
14. Add Worcestershire sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavor in the beef.
15. Finish with fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil to brighten up the rich, creamy dish.
16. Stir halfway through cooking: If you have the time, give it a quick stir halfway through cooking to ensure everything is well-coated in the sauce.
17. Let it rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
18. Top with additional toppings: Consider topping with crispy onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor.
19. Cook on low for the best results: Cooking the casserole on low allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the beef is tender.
20. Keep leftovers sealed tightly: Store leftovers in an airtight container to prevent drying out and ensure the casserole stays fresh for longer.

Enjoy making your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole!