Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Shells Recipe: A Cozy Twist

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak pasta shells that blend the classic sandwich’s bold flavors into a hearty pasta dish.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich mixture of sautéed beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of savory goodness that transports you straight to the streets of Philadelphia.

The recipe combines convenience with incredible taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Strips of juicy steak mingle with gooey provolone, creating a luxurious texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Forget complicated meals – this pasta offers simple, satisfying comfort in every forkful.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this irresistible culinary creation that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Saving Pasta Shells That Stay Cheesy

• Quick Batch Prep: Cook double the recipe on weekends, storing extra portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual shells tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. These shells stay delicious for up to 3 months, offering convenient meal options anytime.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover pasta shells in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees to maintain the crispy cheese texture and prevent soggy shells.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep cheese sauce and stuffed shells separate when storing to prevent sogginess. Warm the sauce separately and pour over shells right before serving for maximum flavor and texture retention.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Shells Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that brings robust flavor and creates a deep brown crust for maximum taste complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami depth and enhances the beef's natural savory characteristics.

• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones that complement the beef's richness.
• Bell Peppers: Introduces vibrant color and crisp texture with a subtle sweetness.
• Butter: Creates a silky base for sautéing vegetables and adds luxurious richness.

• Ketchup: Contributes tangy sweetness and helps bind the meat mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering sharp, creamy notes that define the dish's cheesy character.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce with perfect consistency.
• Beef Broth: Intensifies the savory flavor profile and adds depth to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the cheese sauce thickens perfectly without lumps.
• Pasta Shells: Provides a perfect vessel for holding the hearty meat mixture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.

What You’ll Need for Cheesesteak Pasta Shells

• Large cast iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan for browning beef and sautéing vegetables.
• Baking dish: Ceramic or glass dish for baking stuffed pasta shells.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements for broth, milk, and cheese.
• Sharp knife: For dicing onions and bell peppers evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: If using block cheese, helpful for shredding.

Steps to Make Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Shells

• Meaty Foundation

Brown ground beef in a cast iron skillet until a rich crust develops. Break apart meat during cooking, ensuring deep caramelization across the surface.

• Veggie Magic

Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in remaining beef drippings. Allow vegetables to develop golden edges and release sweet aromatics.

• Flavor Fusion

Return beef to pan and blend with tangy Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Season generously with salt and pepper for robust taste.

• Shell Transformation

Carefully fill cooked pasta shells with seasoned beef mixture. Nestle cheese cubes inside each shell, creating pockets of melty goodness.

• Creamy Companion

Whisk beef broth, milk, and cornstarch in skillet. Gradually incorporate remaining cheese, stirring until sauce reaches silky consistency.

• Baked Perfection

Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish. Pour cheese sauce around shells and bake until cheese melts and edges turn golden.

• Final Touch

Drizzle additional cheese sauce over shells before serving. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Pasta Shells

• Beef Browning Pro Tip: Lock in maximum flavor by letting ground beef develop a deep, caramelized crust before breaking it apart, creating rich, intense meat taste.
• Cheese Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or looks grainy, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to smooth and stabilize the texture quickly.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace bell peppers with mushrooms or swap onions for shallots to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic cheesesteak essence.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare stuffed shells and cheese sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for easy weeknight dinner preparation.
• Spice Level Boost: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those craving extra heat and bold flavors.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Shells

• Cheesy Comfort Platter: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the shells for a pop of color and herbal freshness that complements the rich beef and cheese flavors.
• Zesty Side Kick: Pair the pasta shells with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy beef-filled dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Serve in individual cast iron skillets or colorful ceramic dishes to make the meal feel extra special and restaurant-worthy for family or guests.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions for added texture and an extra layer of savory goodness that enhances the Philly cheesesteak inspiration.

Sizzling Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Scrumptious Philly cheesesteak pasta shells combine classic Philadelphian sandwich flavors with comforting pasta. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying dish that brings regional culinary magic right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 8 oz (227 grams) cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (divided)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk (whole recommended)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and ready a cast iron skillet and baking dish for this culinary journey.
2. Meat Development: Sear ground beef in skillet, cultivating a caramelized crust and achieving a golden-brown exterior while breaking the meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Remove beef, utilize existing skillet drippings to sauté onions and bell peppers, creating a rich, golden base that amplifies the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Flavor Layering: Reunite beef with sautéed vegetables, introducing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to create a harmonious and robust filling.
5. Shell Composition: Strategically stuff pasta shells with the savory beef mixture, nestling cheese cubes within each shell to ensure a molten core of richness.
6. Cheese Sauce Creation: Construct a velvety sauce by whisking beef broth, milk, and cornstarch in the skillet, gradually melting remaining cheddar cheese while maintaining a smooth, luxurious texture.
7. Baking Transformation: Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish, drizzle with half the cheese sauce, and bake for 10 minutes to marry flavors and create a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece.
8. Elegant Presentation: Complete the dish by cascading remaining cheese sauce over the shells, delivering a decadent Philly cheesesteak-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Beef Browning: Achieve a deep golden-brown crust by avoiding constant stirring, letting the meat develop rich caramelization for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Gradually incorporate cheese into the sauce while whisking constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Use cornstarch as a thickening agent to create the perfect sauce viscosity, preventing separation and ensuring a luxurious coating.
• Shell Stuffing Strategy: Distribute cheese cubes evenly inside pasta shells before baking to guarantee melted pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg