Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a comfort food mashup that brings all the bold, cheesy, peppery flavors of a Philly cheesesteak to a hearty pasta bowl—straight from your pressure cooker in under 30 minutes! It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with beef, peppers, onions, and melty provolone, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you need something deliciously satisfying with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is how you can build big, bold flavors with just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—think juicy beef, tender veggies, and gooey cheese for that signature creamy finish.

• Olive oil: A quick sauté with olive oil kicks off the flavor and keeps everything from sticking.
• Lean ground beef (93% lean): Provides classic Philly cheesesteak richness without excess grease.
• Salt: Enhances the natural savoriness of the beef.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet edge and a touch of bite, building that iconic flavor base.
• Green bell peppers: The key veggie for that Philly cheesesteak taste and fresh color.
• Italian seasoning: Lends aromatic herbs—using McCormick “Perfect Pinch” is a shortcut for balanced flavor.
• Garlic powder & Onion powder: Boost the savory backbone with concentrated flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds layered umami, a subtle tang, and makes everything taste more “meaty”.
• Black pepper: A finishing touch for mild heat and warmth.
• Beef stock: Deepens the sauce and gives the pasta extra richness as it cooks.
• Large elbow macaroni: These sturdy noodles soak up all the savory juices (but any similar pasta shape works).
• Provolone cheese slices: The star topping—melty, creamy, and totally classic for Philly cheesesteak!
• Fresh parsley: A burst of green for freshness and a flavor pop—the perfect garnish.

Variations

This recipe is wildly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or simply using what you have on hand, Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is all about flexibility and personalization.

• Mushroom Mix-In: Add a handful of sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for even more umami and veggie power.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or swap green bell pepper for poblano or jalapeño if you love a little heat.
• Lighter Version: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner take with equally delicious results.
• Cheese Swap: Use shredded mozzarella or a combo of provolone and cheddar if you want extra cheese pull.
• Gluten-Free: Make it gluten-free by simply using your favorite gluten-free pasta—just remember, every pasta cooks a bit differently!

How to Make Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode (I love using “more” for that extra caramelization!). Add the olive oil, and once it shimmers, toss in the ground beef with a sprinkle of salt. As it cooks, break the meat into crumbles—this helps every spoonful get deliciously beefy and tender. About 4–5 minutes is usually perfect.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Next, stir in your diced onions and green bell peppers. Let them mingle with the beef, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and release all that savory aroma. Now, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Keep stirring for another 2 minutes—everything should be glistening and smelling amazing at this point!

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of beef stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape all those tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This is key: it unlocks extra flavor and keeps the Instant Pot from issuing the dreaded Burn Notice!

Step 4: Layer Pasta and Pressure Cook

Add the remaining beef stock, then sprinkle the macaroni over the liquid, resisting the urge to stir (this prevents clumping and ensures even cooking). Press down gently to make sure all the pasta is submerged in that savory liquid. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and program your Instant Pot to pressure cook for 3 minutes (or 2 if you’re a fan of al dente pasta). The whole pot will take about 9–10 minutes to come to pressure.

Step 5: Quick Release and Get Cheesy

Once time’s up, carefully perform a manual quick release (steam will be hot—safety first!). Open the lid, add the chopped provolone cheese, and gently fold until everything is gloriously creamy and well-mixed. It’s going to smell ridiculously good—try not to dive in just yet!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a shower of fresh chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Spoon into bowls immediately—Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is best bubbly, creamy, and hot!

How to Serve Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a little fresh parsley or even some extra cracked black pepper sprinkled right before serving—these touches add a pop of color and brighten the whole bowl. If you’re feeling decadent, a little extra provolone broiled on top until bubbly makes every bite even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a meal-in-a-bowl, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, simple roasted veggies, or toasty garlic bread for soaking up every drop of cheesy sauce. A crunchy slaw or classic Caesar salad is especially nice if you want something light and fresh alongside all that savory richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game-day gatherings, try spooning portions into small bowls or ramekins and topping each with a broiled slice of provolone (think mini Philly cheesesteak casseroles!). Or, load it into hollowed-out bread rolls for a “pasta sub”—it’s playful, interactive, and crazy delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next-day leftovers just as enjoyable (if not more) as the first serving!

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to 2 months—just cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture; the cheese may separate slightly, but a quick stir brings everything back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef stock or milk to loosen the sauce. Give it a good stir and, if needed, top with a bit more cheese before serving for that ultra-creamy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy dinner that’s both fun to make and even more fun to eat, Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is the recipe to try. Gathering everyone around the table for comforting, flavor-packed bowls like this is what makes weeknights memorable—so go on, give it a whirl and let your kitchen fill up with those unmistakable Philly cheesesteak aromas!

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