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Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s browned and crumbled, drain off any excess fat. If you’re using thinly sliced steak, sauté it for a few minutes until it’s cooked through. Add salt, pepper, and the Worcestershire sauce to season it and add extra depth of flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant. You can add a little olive oil if necessary. This step will help bring out the sweetness in the vegetables and add more flavor to the dish.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and minced garlic to the Crockpot. Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything into a creamy mixture.
4. Add the Pasta:
Add your uncooked pasta directly into the Crockpot. Don’t worry if it seems like there’s a lot of liquid—pasta absorbs it as it cooks and becomes tender. Stir everything together so the pasta is covered with the sauce mixture.
5. Cook:
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the creamy sauce. Check on it occasionally to make sure there’s enough liquid. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more beef broth or cream as needed.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked and tender, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese (and mozzarella, if using) over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes gooey, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and meat. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes on low to allow the cheese to fully melt.
7. Serve:
Once everything is ready and cheesy, give the casserole a final stir and serve! If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole:
- Use the Right Pasta: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best because they hold up well and catch all the delicious sauce.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to boost the veggie content, feel free to add mushrooms or spinach to the casserole. Mushrooms, in particular, complement the cheesesteak flavor really well.
- Make it Spicy: For a bit of a kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to spice things up.
- Try Different Cheeses: While provolone is traditional for cheesesteaks, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites for extra cheesiness.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Cheesesteak in a Crockpot: You get all the comfort of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, but in a casserole form that’s easy to serve to a crowd or family.
- One Pot Meal: The Crockpot method makes clean-up a breeze, with everything cooked in one dish.
- Tender, Flavorful Pasta: As the pasta cooks in the Crockpot, it soaks up all the savory flavors from the beef, cheese, and sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with delicious cheesesteak flavors. The Crockpot makes it so easy to prepare, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the classic Philly cheesesteak in a new, filling form.
Once you try it, you’ll likely want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation. So gather the ingredients, set up your Crockpot, and get ready for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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