Description

If you’ve ever craved the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but wanted it in the form of a comforting, family-friendly bake, you’re in for a treat. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Pasta Shells is the perfect mash-up of cozy Midwestern casseroles and bold East Coast flavor. Inspired by nostalgic road trips to Philadelphia and those unforgettable cheesesteaks, this dish is everything you love—tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta shells—all baked to golden perfection.

Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you're simply craving something soul-warming, this casserole is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread for a complete meal that leaves no one hungry.

Ingredients

• Main Components:
• 8 oz pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and allows for easy cleanup.

Cook the pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells just until al dente—firm but cooked. Drain well and set aside.

Brown the beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula.

Sauté the vegetables:
Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Create the cheesy sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Then add the cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the mixture, forming a luscious, creamy base.

Combine everything:
Toss the cooked pasta shells into the skillet and stir until each shell is coated in the cheesy beef mixture.

Assemble the casserole:
Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top.

Bake to perfection:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Tips and Conclusion

Make it your own!
– Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or switch the cheese to spicy pepper jack.
– For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a medley of roasted veggies.
– Want extra creaminess? Stir in a can of condensed mushroom soup along with the broth.

Meal prep friendly: This casserole keeps well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for future meals. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Pasta Shells is pure comfort in a dish—warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Quick to prep and baked to perfection, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

Looking for more cozy casseroles? Try our Cheeseburger Macaroni Bake, Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, or Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. And if you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media—we love seeing your kitchen creations!