This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one delicious dish! With tender beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and plenty of gooey cheese, this mac and cheese is creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. The slow cooker makes it super easy to prepare, giving you a rich and cheesy meal without much effort!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:
- Creamy and Cheesy: The perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce and tender beef.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with pasta, beef, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in one pot.
- Effortless: The crockpot does all the work, making it great for busy days.
Ingredients for Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef (like sirloin or ribeye)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or any short pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a combination of provolone and mozzarella)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Large skillet (for browning the beef)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
3. Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to your crockpot. 4. Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded provolone cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Continue cooking on LOW for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
7. Once the cheese is melted and the mac and cheese is creamy, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 8. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions:
- This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:
- Use Good-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the creaminess.
- Check the Pasta: Depending on your crockpot, the pasta can cook faster or slower, so start checking around the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
- Add Mushrooms: For extra flavor, sauté some mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may vary.
Q2: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Cooked, shredded chicken or even ground chicken works as a great substitute for the beef.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free version of this dish.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food!
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and hearty pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 500
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
