Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking : Let your crockpot do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
- Flavorful & Hearty : Packed with savory beef, caramelized veggies, and creamy cheese sauce.
- Customizable : Add mushrooms, swap cheeses, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder : Minimal cleanup makes this dish as practical as it is delicious.
- Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6–8
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak strips for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak)
- 1 medium onion , sliced
- 1 red bell pepper , sliced
- 1 green bell pepper , sliced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sear the steak strips) until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes , until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , until fragrant.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the marinara sauce, beef broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
