Indulgent Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

This Philly Cheese Steak Pasta has become our family's go-to comfort meal, transforming the classic sandwich flavors into a hearty pasta dish that satisfies everyone at the table.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something that could cook while I was at work. The aroma that greeted me when I walked through the door was incredible, and now my teenagers specifically request this dish before their sports games for "good energy."

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for authentic cheese steak texture
• Bell peppers: In multiple colors for sweetness and visual appeal
• Lipton Onion Dry Soup Mix: Provides complex flavor without chopping onions
• Mushrooms: Add umami depth and traditional Philly taste
• Boursin cheese: Creates a luxurious creamy sauce that coats every bite
• Provolone cheese: For that authentic stringy cheese pull
• Cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape captures the sauce perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Layer the Base Ingredients:

Place thinly sliced sirloin in the slow cooker first, followed by sliced bell peppers and mushrooms. This layering helps the meat absorb flavors while ensuring vegetables cook properly without becoming mushy.

Create the Flavor Foundation:

Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup mix evenly over the ingredients, then add water. This creates a richly flavored broth that will infuse everything as it cooks. The onion soup mix is crucial as it eliminates the need to sauté onions separately.

Low and Slow Cooking:

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours without peeking. Resisting the urge to lift the lid is essential as each time you do, you add 30 minutes to the cooking time by releasing accumulated heat.

Shred and Prepare:

Once cooking is complete, shred the tender meat using two forks or a meat masher. The meat should pull apart easily, creating those authentic cheese steak texture pieces that will distribute throughout the pasta.

Pasta Preparation:

Cook your pasta separately until al dente, slightly firmer than you might normally prefer. The pasta will continue softening slightly when mixed with the hot cheese steak mixture.

Cheese Integration:

Add cooked pasta and Boursin cheese to the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to create a creamy sauce. Layer provolone slices on top and cover until melted for that authentic Philly cheese experience.

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The Boursin cheese is my absolute favorite element in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of cream cheese one day, and now I would never go back. Its herb-infused creaminess elevates this from a simple pasta dish to something that feels restaurant-worthy but still comforting.

Meat Selection Tips

Finding the right cut of beef makes all the difference in this recipe. While sirloin is specified, you could also use ribeye for a more authentic Philly experience, though at a higher price point. The key is having your butcher slice the meat extremely thin, almost shaved. If buying pre-packaged meat, partially freezing it for about 20 minutes before slicing yourself can help achieve the right thickness. The thin slices ensure the meat becomes tender during the slow cooking process and better mimics the texture of a traditional cheese steak.

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Vegetable Variations

While bell peppers are traditional in Philly cheese steaks, this recipe welcomes customization. Try adding thinly sliced jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, or zucchini for extra nutrition. The key is cutting vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly. For mushroom lovers, fresh mushrooms provide better texture than canned, but require a quick sauté before adding to develop their flavor. When using fresh mushrooms, slice them thicker than you might think as they will shrink considerably during the long cooking time.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish excels as a make-ahead meal. You can prep all ingredients the night before, storing the meat and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and turn it on. For even more convenience, cook the entire dish a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 25 minutes. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent option for entertaining when you want to minimize day-of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Boursin cheese with cream cheese or try different varieties like cheddar or mozzarella to suit your taste.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta works, but spiral varieties like cavatappi or fusilli are great for holding the creamy sauce and shredded meat.

→ Can this be made without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can use a skillet to cook the meat with spices, peppers, and mushrooms. Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld well.

→ How do I ensure the meat stays tender?

Cooking the meat slowly in the slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours helps it become tender and flavorful. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, onions, or spinach to enhance the dish and boost its nutrition.