Ingredients
For the casserole:
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1 lb ground beef (or thin-sliced steak)
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1 tbsp olive oil (only if using steak)
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp paprika
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1 cup shredded provolone (or 6 provolone slices)
For the pasta layer (optional but recommended):
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles)
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Salt for boiling
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½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta (if using)
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the meat
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sauté thin slices of steak in olive oil).
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Drain excess fat.
3. Add veggies
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Add onion, peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet.
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Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Season & make it creamy
Stir in:
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Salt
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Pepper
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Worcestershire
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Paprika
Then add:
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Cream cheese (stir until melted and creamy)
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Reserved pasta water (add little by little to loosen)
5. Combine & assemble
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Stir in cooked pasta (if using).
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Top with mozzarella and provolone (use slices or shredded).
6. Bake
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top (optional).
Serve With
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Garlic bread
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Simple salad
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Roasted veggies
Tips
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Low-carb version: Skip the pasta and use more peppers/mushrooms.
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Cheese options: White American cheese or Cheez Whiz (for authenticity).
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Steak lovers: Use shaved ribeye for maximum Philly flavor.

