If you love comfort food that hits all the right notes, you are going to fall head over heels for this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of two all-time favorites: creamy, cheesy macaroni and the savory, hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Picture tender roast beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey provolone and cheddar cheese blankets all your pasta in the most satisfying way imaginable. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a cozy crowd-pleaser, and an easy weeknight fix when you want to treat yourself without tons of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white frying pan with a wooden handle is filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is sautéed light brown onions scattered around, the middle layer is bright green chopped bell peppers in medium chunks, and the top layer is thin slices of pink ham layered unevenly over the vegetables. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth underneath it. To the top left of the pan, there is a small white bowl filled with coarse white salt crystals. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that luscious gooeyness we all crave. From the tender roast beef to the lightly crisped peppers and the perfect blend of cheeses, here’s everything you’ll want on hand before you get cooking.

Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base to sauté the onions and peppers without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild, caramelized depth when cooked until soft and translucent.
Green bell peppers: Bring a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness.
Deli roast beef (1/2 to 3/4 lb): Tender, thin slices provide that iconic Philly steak flavor, making this dish truly authentic.
Shell pasta (10 oz): Its shape is perfect for trapping the creamy cheese sauce and bits of toppings in every bite.
Eggs (2): Help create a rich and silky cheese sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Evaporated milk (1 cup): Offers creamy body without being too heavy, balancing the cheese beautifully.
Provolone cheese (1 cup, grated or thinly sliced): Classic Philly choice, melts smoothly with a mild tangy flavor.
Mild cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Adds sharpness and that gooey cheese pull that makes mac and cheese irresistible.
Seasoned salt (1/2 tsp): Just the right amount to bring all the flavors together with a subtle savory hint.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Roast Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sliced yellow onions and green bell peppers, and sauté until the onions look translucent and the peppers soften but still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 10 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness and slight crunch to develop perfectly. Next, add in your sliced roast beef and warm it through gently, stirring just enough to combine without overcooking the meat. Then, set this savory mixture aside while you prepare the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add your shell pasta. Cook until it reaches al dente according to the package instructions—this means it has a slight firmness to the bite, which helps it hold up under all that saucy goodness. Before draining, be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water; it’s going to be a secret weapon for adjusting the cheese sauce consistency later on.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, and seasoned salt over medium heat. Slowly add the provolone and cheddar cheeses, whisking continuously until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Keep an eye on it—the mixture will thicken nicely as the cheese melts, creating a rich coating for your pasta.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Into your luscious cheese sauce, stir the cooked pasta. Add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach the perfect creamy texture that clings but isn’t gluey. Finally, fold in your sautéed onions, peppers, and roast beef, stirring gently to combine so every bite will have that iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor wrapped in cheesy mac goodness. Serve it immediately for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad that has three layers: the first layer is a mix of small pasta shells in pale yellow and light green colors, the second layer shows chunks of pinkish ham, and the third layer is a creamy white sauce coating everything evenly; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige striped cloth beside it, a white bowl with more pasta in the background, and a small white dish filled with coarse salt further back, all in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe from delicious to downright show-stopping. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herby notes. A drizzle of hot sauce or a few rings of pickled jalapeños adds a playful kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and tender beef.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also complement the flavors wonderfully while adding some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can bake the Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe in a casserole dish topped with extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil it until golden and crispy on top. Individual ramekins filled with the mac and cheese make for charming single servings that look great on any table. If you want to really impress, serve it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or in crispy bread bowls to incorporate even more flavor and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying. Just give it a good stir before reheating to ensure everything stays creamy and evenly mixed.

Freezing

The Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to 2 months. For best results, avoid freezing the dish if you’ve already added garnishes or sides that might lose texture upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring in between, to bring back that creamy, cheesy perfection without drying out the roast beef.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While provolone and cheddar are classic, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Swiss for a nuttier flavor. Just keep the cheese blend mild to let the roast beef shine through.

Is roast beef necessary, or can I substitute with other meats?

Roast beef is key to achieving that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but thinly sliced cooked steak or even grilled chicken could work if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the roast beef and add mushrooms or seitan for a savory, meaty texture. Sauté the veggies a bit longer to deepen their flavor, and consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Shell pasta is ideal because its curves trap the cheese sauce and beef bits beautifully, but elbow macaroni or cavatappi work just as well for that satisfying creamy bite.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Whisking the eggs and evaporated milk together before adding the cheese, and cooking gently over medium heat without boiling, helps keep the sauce silky smooth and prevents the cheese from clumping.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that brings together the best of hearty, cheesy comfort food with bold, savory flavors, this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe is the answer. It’s easy to prepare, indulgently delicious, and sure to become a rotating favorite in your kitchen. So grab your skillet and pasta pot, and dive into this delicious mashup that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Your taste buds will thank you!