Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delicious fusion of a classic Philly Cheesesteak and creamy pasta.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Rich, cheesy, and comforting with an irresistible provolone sauce.

Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot – For boiling pasta.
- Large skillet – For cooking beef and vegetables.
- Whisk – To make the smooth cheese sauce.
- Cutting board & knife – For chopping vegetables.
- Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 10 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables:
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup provolone cheese, diced or shredded
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no pink remains.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion.
- Cook over medium heat until softened and moisture evaporates.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and half-and-half, stirring frequently.
- Simmer for 4-6 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine Everything
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in provolone cheese until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, along with half of the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly.
6. Assemble & Serve
- Transfer pasta to a serving dish.
- Top with the remaining beef and vegetable mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Caesar salad – A crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a healthy, crunchy side.
- Steamed broccoli – Lightens up the meal.
- Garlic butter asparagus – A simple yet flavorful side.
- Caprese salad – A fresh and vibrant pairing.
- Sautéed spinach – A nutrient-packed option.
- Coleslaw – For a tangy, crunchy contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – Rigatoni should be al dente to hold up to the sauce.
- Not draining excess fat from the beef – Too much grease can make the dish heavy.
- Using pre-shredded cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Skipping the roux – The butter-flour mixture ensures a thick, creamy sauce.
- Adding cheese too soon – Wait until the sauce is off heat to prevent clumping.

Recipe Tips & Variations
- Swap the beef – Use thinly sliced ribeye steak for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak flavor.
- Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Go low-carb – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Use different cheeses – Try white American cheese or cheddar for a different taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess and heat over low to medium heat.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate.

FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced chicken breast are great options.
What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
Mozzarella, Swiss, or white cheddar work well as substitutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with gluten-free cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and low-fat milk.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the perfect comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the best of Philly Cheesesteak in pasta form.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup provolone cheese diced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no pink remains.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion.
- Cook over medium heat until softened and the moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, stirring frequently.
- Simmer for 4-6 minutes, or until thickened.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the provolone cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and half of the beef and vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
Assemble and Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to a serving dish.
- Top with the remaining beef and vegetable mixture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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