Zesty Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe for Game Day

My latest culinary adventure blends the robust philly cheesesteak with classic pasta shells for an unexpected twist.

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering mashup of Italian and Philadelphian flavors.

Melted cheese and tender beef nestle inside delicate pasta pockets, promising a seriously delicious meal.

Hearty ingredients combine in ways that surprise and delight hungry diners.

Rich, savory notes dance across each carefully crafted shell, inviting you to experience a new dimension of familiar favorites.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness that transforms ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Stuffed Shells Warm Up With Creamy Perfection

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let shells cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Keep stuffed shells in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they are tightly sealed to preserve quality and taste.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly and cheese melts smoothly.

What Complements Cheesesteak Shells

• Craft a Bold Beer Pairing: Grab a hoppy IPA or crisp amber ale to cut through the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. The beer's bitterness balances the creamy cheese and complements the savory beef perfectly.
• Elevate with Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to enhance the robust beef and cheese combination. These wines bring out the depth of the meat and provide a sophisticated dining experience.
• Create a Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, rich shells. The peppery greens and acidic dressing will cleanse the palate and add a light, refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve Cool Cucumber Drink: Mix a light cucumber-mint mocktail or cocktail to provide a crisp, cooling counterpoint to the warm, cheesy shells. This refreshing beverage helps balance the dish's intense flavors and richness.

Creative Spins on Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Alternative: Replace traditional pasta shells with blanched cauliflower florets, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains the rich, meaty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Swap: Substitute beef with sautéed portobello or cremini mushrooms, using vegetable broth and adding extra umami with miso paste for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified. Replace Alfredo sauce with a homemade cashew cream sauce for added dietary flexibility.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, swap Alfredo sauce for marinara, and add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-style stuffed shell experience with Mediterranean herbs and spices.

FAQs

• What kind of meat works best for this recipe?

Ribeye steak is the premium choice, offering rich flavor and tenderness. However, ground beef is an excellent and more budget-friendly alternative that still delivers delicious results.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses traditional pasta shells, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild and not spicy. The combination of beef, vegetables, and cheeses creates a rich, savory flavor without adding heat. If you prefer more kick, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce when cooking the beef and vegetables.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Combine Two Favorites Flawlessly

• Satisfy Cheesesteak Cravings: Combines classic Philly cheesesteak flavors with comforting pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering fusion dish that transforms traditional sandwich into an exciting dinner experience.
• Effortless Gourmet Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels who want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a convenient meal solution for busy households craving delicious, hearty comfort food without extensive preparation time.
• Meal Prep Magic: Freezer-friendly option allows preparing large batches in advance, storing up to 4 months, which means quick reheating for future meals and saving precious time during hectic weekdays.

What You’ll Use in Stuffed Cheesesteak Shells

• Ribeye Steak, Ground Beef: Rich protein source with deep, savory flavor; choose well-marbled cuts for juiciness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the meat's flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ricotta mixture and provides structure.

• Large Pasta Shells: Holds stuffing perfectly; choose firm, intact shells.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for filling with smooth texture.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides rich, sharp flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes to enhance overall taste.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy sauce that complements the meaty filling.

• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic flavor to the mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

Make Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Set Up Oven

Warm your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in boiling water following package instructions.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Brown Meat

Heat skillet over medium-high and cook ribeye steak until browned.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Remove meat from pan, keeping pan drippings.

Step 4: Create Veggie Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Merge Meat and Vegetables

Return cooked meat to skillet, mixing thoroughly with sautéed vegetables.

Remove from heat.

Step 6: Craft Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Beaten egg
• Provolone cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Fold in meat and vegetable mixture until well combined.

Step 7: Load Pasta Shells

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with meat and cheese mixture.

Arrange in prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Cover with Creamy Sauce

Drizzle Alfredo sauce evenly over stuffed shells.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Step 10: Serve and Store

Serve hot immediately.

Store leftovers in refrigerator for 5 days or freeze up to 4 months.

Reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency.

Stuffed Shell Tips With Cheesesteak Magic

• Select ribeye or ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Swiss to add depth and personalize the flavor profile of your stuffed shells.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells during initial boiling to ensure they remain firm and don't become mushy when baked with sauce and filling.
• Replace beef with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils to create a delicious vegetarian alternative without compromising taste and texture.
• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth while cooking meat to intensify the savory notes and create a more complex taste experience.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy pasta shells cradle savory Philly cheesesteak goodness in this irresistible fusion dish. Melted cheese, tender beef, and bell peppers create a mouthwatering comfort meal you can’t resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ribeye steak, sliced thinly (or 1 pound 90% lean ground beef)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 3/4 to 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 medium white onion, diced small
• 1 medium to large red bell pepper, seeded and diced small
• 1 medium to large green bell pepper, seeded and diced small
• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12-ounce package jumbo pasta shells (about 12 shells)
• 22-ounce jar Alfredo sauce (or 2.75 cups homemade Alfredo sauce)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a ready surface for the stuffed shells.
2. Boil pasta shells in a large pot of water until perfectly cooked, then thoroughly drain and set aside for filling.
3. Brown the ribeye steak or ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully stirring to ensure even cooking. Remove meat from the pan, preserving the flavorful drippings.
4. Utilize the same skillet to sauté onions and bell peppers, creating a aromatic vegetable base. Introduce garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and release their fragrant essence.
5. Reintegrate the cooked meat into the vegetable mixture, stirring to create a harmonious filling blend.
6. Create a creamy ricotta mixture by combining cheese, egg, and partially melted provolone and Parmesan. Fold the meat and vegetable combination into the ricotta base, ensuring a thorough and consistent mixture.
7. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the rich meat and cheese filling, arranging them strategically in the prepared baking dish.
8. Generously drizzle Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Crown the dish with a lavish sprinkle of remaining provolone and Parmesan cheeses.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping that signals perfect doneness.
10. Serve immediately while warm and gooey. For future enjoyment, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for 4 months, reheating with care to maintain the sauce’s integrity.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with thinly sliced steak for authentic Philly cheesesteak texture and richer flavor profile.
• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious protein base.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex taste layers.
• Ensure pasta shells are slightly undercooked before stuffing to prevent becoming mushy during final baking process.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg