Description
Philadelphia’s legendary cheesesteak shines inside delicate pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering fusion of Italian and American cuisine. Melted provolone, tender beef, and caramelized onions combine for a hearty, irresistible meal you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or shaved steak
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded provolone cheese
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) Alfredo sauce (or substitute with heavy cream mixed with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about ½ a 12-ounce 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
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain gently and set aside to cool without compromising their structural integrity.
- Meat and Vegetable Fusion: Sizzle beef in a scorching skillet until perfectly caramelized, then transfer. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers, capturing the essence of beef drippings to intensify flavor profiles.
- Seasoning Harmony: Reintroduce beef to the vegetable medley, infusing with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to create a cohesive, aromatic mixture that melds all components.
- Cheese Integration: Whisk cream cheese and provolone in a mixing vessel, gently folding in the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture until achieving a luxurious, uniform consistency.
- Baking Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F and lightly oil a baking vessel to prevent adherence. Meticulously stuff each pasta shell with the cheesy beef blend, arranging them in a precise pattern.
- Cheese Crowning: Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella over the stuffed shells, creating a molten, golden-hued canopy that promises irresistible texture and flavor.
- Final Transformation: Encase the dish in aluminum foil, baking for 25-30 minutes. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to achieve a crisp, bronzed surface that tantalizes the senses.
- Serving: Allow the shells a brief moment to settle after emerging from the oven, then present immediately to capture the peak of culinary excellence.
Notes
- Select Shell Integrity: Choose large, unbroken jumbo pasta shells to ensure smooth filling and elegant presentation without tearing.
- Control Meat Moisture: Pat beef slices dry before searing to achieve perfect browning and prevent excess liquid from making shells soggy.
- Balance Cheese Ratio: Mix cream cheese and provolone evenly to create a creamy, rich texture that complements the beef without overwhelming.
- Manage Baking Time: Watch shells closely during final uncovered baking stage to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring a perfectly golden crust.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg