Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe

Sizzling Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe To Wow A Crowd

Creamy pasta shells cradle the mouthwatering philly cheesesteak recipe that promises a delectable twist on classic comfort food.

Tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions create an irresistible filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.

The combination of traditional cheesesteak ingredients nestled inside pasta shells brings an exciting fusion to your dinner table.

Perfectly seasoned and loaded with rich, savory notes, these stuffed shells elevate a familiar favorite into something extraordinary.

Each shell offers a delightful balance of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms the beloved Philadelphia sandwich into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

Dive into this cheesy, meaty masterpiece and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

For Pasta Base:
  • Jumbo Shells: Sturdy pasta vessels perfect for holding rich, creamy fillings with excellent sauce-catching capabilities. Choose high-quality shells that maintain structural integrity during baking..
For Meat and Vegetable Mixture:
  • Ground Beef, Shaved Steak: Premium protein providing hearty, robust flavor and satisfying texture. Select fresh, lean cuts for optimal taste and minimal greasiness..
  • Onion: Adds layers of savory depth and subtle sweetness. Look for firm, bright onions without soft spots..
  • Bell Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and crisp texture. Choose peppers with smooth, glossy skin and no blemishes..
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch. Select plump, firm bulbs without sprouting..
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances meaty flavor with tangy, complex undertones. Opt for traditional, aged varieties..
  • Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Paprika: Essential seasoning blend creating harmonious flavor profile. Use freshly ground spices for maximum potency..
For Cheese and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, velvety base for filling. Select full-fat version for richest consistency..
  • Mozzarella: Delivers classic, stretchy meltability. Choose freshly shredded for superior melting quality..
  • Provolone: Introduces sharp, nutty undertones. Select aged varieties for deeper flavor complexity..
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, indulgent texture. Use high-quality, fresh cream for best results..
  • Alfredo Sauce: Adds creamy, luxurious coating. Homemade or premium store-bought sauce recommende.

Kitchen Gear For Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly and perfectly.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing vegetables with great heat control.
  • Spatula: Crucial for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cheese and beef mixtures effectively.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for arranging and baking stuffed shells comfortably.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings and spices.
  • Cheese grater: Great for shredding fresh mozzarella and provolone cheese.
  • Foil: Useful for covering the dish during initial baking stages.
  • Knife: Helps with chopping parsley for final garnish.

Directions To Make Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

  • Pasta Bath

Boil a pot of water and cook jumbo shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and cool them down, letting them rest and prepare for their delicious destiny.

  • Meaty Foundation

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into juicy crumbles. Invite onions, bell peppers, and garlic to join the party, creating a flavor-packed base that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Cheese Symphony

Blend cream cheese, mozzarella, and provolone into a creamy dream. Fold in the seasoned beef mixture, creating a luxurious filling that promises comfort in every bite.

  • Shell Transformation

Warm up the oven and spread a silky sauce across a baking dish. Carefully nestle each shell with the decadent beef and cheese mixture, arranging them like precious jewels.

  • Cheesy Crown

Drape the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top, creating a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

  • Oven Magic

Cover and bake until the shells are heated through. Uncover and let the cheese transform into a golden, crispy blanket that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Delicious Finale

Allow the shells to rest briefly, then serve these comfort-packed beauties. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds the perfect finishing touch to this crowd-pleasing meal.

Savvy Tips For Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

  • Meat Swap Magic: Substitute ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye or chicken for a different protein twist that keeps the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile intact.
  • Low-Carb Hack: Replace pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or large zucchini boats for a keto-friendly version that still delivers incredible cheesy goodness.
  • Vegetarian Transformation
  • Spice Level Control: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat, or keep it mild by reducing or eliminating black pepper and paprika for sensitive palates.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the stuffed shells completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

How To Present Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Beautifully

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange the stuffed shells on a large wooden board with small dishes of extra Alfredo sauce and chopped fresh herbs for dipping and garnishing. Guests can grab and enjoy these cheesy delights easily.
  • Hearty Dinner Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy shells. Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus make an excellent side dish that complements the meaty flavor.
  • Tailgate Touchdown Treat: Pack the shells in individual containers for game day gatherings. Add some spicy jalapeño slices or hot sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick. These portable shells are perfect for sports fans who want a satisfying, handheld meal.
  • Leftover Lunch Makeover: Transform any remaining shells into a delicious next-day lunch by chopping them up and mixing with additional greens or turning them into a warm pasta salad. A quick reheat in the microwave ensures a tasty midday meal.

Storage And Meal Prep For Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stack shells carefully without crushing to maintain their delicate shape and prevent ingredient separation.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual or entire portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness and prevent mystery meals.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven maintains better texture and melts cheese more evenly. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce to revive moisture.
  • Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare filling and stuff shells ahead of time. Keep unbaked shells in the refrigerator for 24 hours or freeze before baking. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Delectable Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells blend iconic Philadelphia sandwich flavors with pasta elegance. Pasta shells cradle savory beef, melted cheese, and classic hoagie ingredients for a hearty meal you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or shaved steak
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Alfredo sauce (or substitute with heavy cream mixed with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese)
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells (about ½ a 12-oz box)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse shells in salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking.
  2. Meat and Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Brown ground beef or shaved steak, then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Seasoning and Flavor Infusion: Introduce Worcestershire sauce, salt, cracked pepper, onion powder, and paprika to the meat mixture. Allow to cool slightly, letting flavors meld and intensify.
  4. Cheese Fusion: Blend cream cheese, mozzarella, and provolone. Incorporate the cooled meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Oven Preparation and Base Layer: Preheat oven to 375F. Spread Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a creamy foundation.
  6. Shell Stuffing and Coating: Carefully fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange in the prepared dish and drizzle remaining Alfredo sauce over the top.
  7. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle additional provolone or mozzarella across the shells, promising a golden, melted cheese crust.
  8. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  9. Finishing Touch: Allow dish to rest briefly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, revealing the rich, flavor-packed interior.

Notes

  • Pasta Shell Perfection: Cook shells al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring they maintain structural integrity when stuffed with rich filling.
  • Meat Moisture Management: Drain excess fat from ground beef or steak to prevent soggy shells and maintain a concentrated flavor profile.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese mixture to cool slightly before stuffing to help shells hold their shape and prevent excessive liquid separation.
  • Flavor Customization: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or Swiss for unique taste variations, or swap ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter alternative.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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