How do I make Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole without a crockpot?

You can prepare this dish using a dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables on the stovetop, combine ingredients in the baking dish, and bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, adding the pasta during the last 10 minutes. This method is simple and effective for those without a crockpot.

What types of meat can I use in this casserole besides ground beef?

Alternatives include ground turkey, ground chicken, or thinly sliced steak. Ground turkey and chicken offer leaner options with a milder flavor, while sliced steak can provide a more authentic Philly cheesesteak texture. Season and cook each meat thoroughly to maintain tenderness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat substitutes like veggie crumbles or soy-based grounds. Add vegetables such as mushrooms or extra bell peppers for texture and flavor. Cooking times may vary slightly with these substitutes, but the dish remains delicious and satisfying.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked pasta in this recipe?

It’s best to avoid using pre-cooked pasta, as it can get mushy while slow cooking. Use dry pasta so it absorbs the flavors of the casserole during cooking, yielding a better texture.

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole Recipe

Name: Irresistible Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Flavorful Pasta Delight
Prep time: 4 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio), browned and drained; 1 diced onion (yellow or sweet preferred); 1 diced green bell pepper; 1 diced red bell pepper; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened; 2 cups shredded provolone cheese; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 12 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten-free pasta if desired); 12 slices provolone cheese; Seasoned salt (about 1½ teaspoons); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Cheez Whiz for topping

Description

🧀 Satisfy your cravings with this creamy and hearty Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, capturing the essence of a classic sandwich in comforting pasta form.
🍝 Perfect for family dinners, this easy, slow-cooked beauty is a flavorful delight that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio), browned and drained
1 diced onion (yellow or sweet preferred)
1 diced green bell pepper
1 diced red bell pepper
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
12 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
12 slices provolone cheese
Seasoned salt (about 1½ teaspoons)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Cheez Whiz for topping

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat and drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and seasoned salt.
2. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until onions are translucent and peppers are softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
3. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the crockpot. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cream cheese cubes and cover the mixture with 4 slices of provolone cheese.
5. Stir Worcestershire sauce into the beef broth and pour over all ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring the pasta remains slightly submerged.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender but not mushy.
7. Cook rotini pasta separately according to package instructions. Stir into crockpot mixture.
8. Top the mixture with remaining provolone cheese slices and allow cheese to melt until bubbly. Optional: briefly broil for a golden finish.
9. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors. Drizzle with Cheez Whiz if desired before serving.

Notes

🍖 Ensure to brown the beef for a depth of caramelized flavor.
🧅 Layer ingredients thoughtfully to prevent sticking and separation, adding cheese at the end.
⏲️ Check pasta at the minimum time to prevent overcooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Slow Cooking: 4 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 517
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 860 mg
Fat: 29 grams
Saturated Fat: 15 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
Trans Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 25 grams
Cholesterol: 80 mg