PHILLY CHEESESTEAK MAC ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD

The way the savory, smoky spices meld with the creamy cheese sauce is pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

This Philly Cheesesteak Mac recipe takes the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese and elevates it to a whole new level with tender steak, caramelized onions, and a generous helping of provolone. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Key Ingredients for Success

Using the best ingredients is key to achieving that perfect Philly Cheesesteak Mac flavor. Don’t skimp on quality!

• Elbow Macaroni: (The classic choice for mac and cheese, providing the perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce.)
• Ribeye Steak: (This cut is well-marbled and tender, ensuring a flavorful and juicy result.)
• Provolone Cheese: (Its mild, slightly tangy flavor complements the steak perfectly and melts beautifully.)
• Onions: (Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.)
• Bell Peppers: (Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.)
• Butter: (Essential for creating a rich and flavorful roux.)
• All-Purpose Flour: (Used to thicken the cheese sauce.)
• Milk: (The base of the creamy cheese sauce.)
• Cream Cheese: (Adds extra creaminess and tang to the sauce.)
• Worcestershire Sauce: (Adds a savory umami flavor.)
• Garlic Powder: (Enhances the overall flavor profile.)
• Onion Powder: (Adds another layer of onion flavor.)
• Smoked Paprika: (Adds a smoky depth to the dish.)
• Salt and Pepper: (To taste, essential for seasoning.)

Swaps & Alternatives

Sometimes you need to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Steak: Use sirloin or flank steak if ribeye isn’t available. You can even try Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak for a budget-friendly option.
• Cheese: If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or white cheddar can be substituted.
• Pasta: Any short pasta shape will work, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
• Milk: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• Peppers: Feel free to use different colors of bell peppers or add a touch of heat with jalapeños.

Level Up This Recipe

Want to take your Philly Cheesesteak Mac to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

• Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a tangy kick.
• Top with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy crust.
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

The Cooking Process

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes incredibly gourmet. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Mac on the table in no time. Expect about 45 minutes from start to finish.

1. Cook the Macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy in the final dish.

2. Prepare the Steak

Thinly slice the ribeye steak against the grain. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This ensures the steak is tender and flavorful.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Caramelizing the onions and peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

4. Cook the Steak

In the same skillet, add the seasoned steak and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear.

5. Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, provolone cheese, and Worcestershire sauce until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a luscious and flavorful cheese sauce.

7. Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni, steak, onions, and bell peppers to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

8. Bake (Optional)

For an extra layer of deliciousness, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. This step is optional but adds a nice golden crust to the top.

Serving Ideas

This Philly Cheesesteak Mac is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls on the side.

For a fun twist, try serving it in individual ramekins or bowls. You can even top it with some extra shredded cheese and broil it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish also goes great with Philly Cheesesteak Bowls or Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. If you’re in the mood for something different, give Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese a try! And for a classic comfort food experience, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Mac And Cheese.

Know someone who loves Philly Cheesesteak Mac? Share this recipe with them!

Philly Cheesesteak Mac Ultimate Comfort Food

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Philly Cheesesteak Mac recipe elevates classic macaroni and cheese with tender steak, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese. It’s a savory and creamy dish that combines the best of both worlds for an irresistible flavor explosion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish (optional)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• Thinly slice the ribeye steak against the grain. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the seasoned steak and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, provolone cheese, and Worcestershire sauce until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked macaroni, steak, onions, and bell peppers to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
• For an extra layer of deliciousness, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. This step is optional.

Notes

For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. You can substitute the ribeye steak with sirloin or flank steak. If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or white cheddar can be substituted. Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.