Warm up your holiday gatherings with this savory Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! This dish brings the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a comforting pasta meal, perfect for chilly winter evenings and family gatherings during the festive season.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ yellow or sweet onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 14.5 ounce can of beef broth (or 2 cups beef broth)
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 to 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Brown the Meat: In a 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, diced green bell pepper, uncooked macaroni noodles, water, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and that most of the liquid has been absorbed or evaporated.
- Incorporate Creamy Ingredients: Keeping the skillet over low heat, add the ½ cup of milk and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is well incorporated into the mixture.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and half of the torn provolone cheese. Stir to distribute the cheeses throughout the pasta.
- Melt Remaining Cheese: Top with the remaining provolone cheese. Cover the skillet again for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Once melted, remove the lid and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: To save time, you can cook the ground beef ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.
- Cooking the Peppers: To maintain a slight crispness, add the peppers after the onions have softened rather than sautéing them together.
- Adjust Flavors: If you prefer a milder dish for picky eaters, feel free to omit the Worcestershire sauce.
This Christmas Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty and delicious meal that combines comfort food with festive flavors. Enjoy it as a main dish during your holiday celebrations!