Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole: Ingredients, Construction, Variations, and Tips

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Construction):

1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, drain, and set aside.
2. Brown Beef & Vegetables: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften.
3. Layer in Crockpot: In the crockpot, layer half of the cooked pasta, then top with half of the beef and vegetable mixture. Add half of the shredded provolone cheese on top of this layer.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese.
5. Make Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this evenly over the layers in the crockpot.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the dish is hot and the cheese has melted into a creamy, delicious casserole. Prep Time: 15 minutes
   Cook Time: 3-4 hours
   Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
   Servings: 6
   Calories: 500 kcal per serving

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Variations:

1. Protein Swap: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use thinly sliced steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak feel.
2. Cheese Options: While provolone is classic, you can also use mozzarella for a milder flavor or even a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a cheesy, melty result.
3. Vegetable Add-ins: Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor or spinach for an extra dose of greens. If you like a bit of spice, try adding some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if needed, ensuring the dish remains suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

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Tips:

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the crockpot to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If it seems a little dry toward the end of cooking, you can add a splash more beef broth or water.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh parsley or basil before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the garlic powder and onion powder for a more intense flavor, or add red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Sauté for Extra Flavor: Sautéing the beef with the garlic before adding the onions and peppers can bring out an extra layer of depth in flavor.
• Make Ahead: This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the crockpot, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it the next day for a hassle-free meal.

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy Philly cheesesteak pasta casserole!