Hey y'all! If you're looking for a hearty, cheesy, and affordable dinner that the whole family will love, this Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is here to save the day! Combining tender beef, sweet bell peppers, gooey cheese, and satisfying pasta, this dish brings all the savory goodness of a traditional Philly cheesesteak—without breaking the bank. It's perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekend dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Affordable Crowd-Pleaser: Uses budget-friendly ingredients while delivering maximum flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 35 minutes with minimal prep.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the classic cheesesteak flavors you crave.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
- One-Pan Option: Simple clean-up if you use an oven-safe skillet!
Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) penne pasta (or rotini, ziti, or other short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced steak, such as sirloin, for an authentic flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella if preferred)
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
How to Make Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned—about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the cream cheese and beef broth. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is completely melted and forms a creamy sauce (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with shredded provolone cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is gooey and combined. If you like it extra cheesy, feel free to scatter more cheese over the top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly!
Notes for Making the Best Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Use any short pasta you have on hand—elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or shells work nicely.
- Looking for more ways to stretch your grocery budget? Check out these money-saving grocery tips.
Variations on Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper for heat.
- Mushroom Lover's: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash.
Required Equipment for Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan (oven-safe if broiling)
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers of your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy.
What to Serve with Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Pair with a simple green salad tossed with Italian dressing for balance.
- Add warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for a true comfort food experience.
- Enjoy a crisp, cold glass of iced tea or seltzer with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Browning the beef well brings out big flavor—don't rush this step. Learn about searing meat properly.
- Taste the sauce before adding the pasta—you might want a touch more Worcestershire for umami depth.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed for extra creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions about Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Q1: Can I make Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beef, veggies, and sauce and combine with pasta just before serving for best texture. The dish also reheats well for lunches!
Q2: What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses works great; for extra authenticity, add American cheese slices.
Q3: Can I freeze Budget-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
This pasta dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently with a splash of broth or milk.
For nutritional information regarding pasta dishes, check out Eat Right's pasta guide.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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3Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, salt, and black pepper; cook until beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula.
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4Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses until melted and creamy.
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5Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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