Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Medium
Intensity: Moderate (involves multi-tasking but uses straightforward techniques)
Ingredients
For the Steak & Vegetables:
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1.5 lbs (680g) ribeye steak, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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8 oz (225g) sliced mushrooms (optional, but classic for cheesesteaks)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta & Sauce:
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12 oz (340g) cavatappi, penne, or rigatoni pasta
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk, warmed
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1 cup beef broth
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2 cups shredded provolone cheese (divided)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For Garnish:
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Chopped fresh parsley
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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Sliced jalapeños (for a kick)
Equipment Needed
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Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Tongs
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Whisk
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Colander
Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Steak
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Place the thinly sliced ribeye in a bowl. Drizzle with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly and set aside to marinate while you prep the vegetables.
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Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
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Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. It will finish cooking later. Using tongs, remove the steak to a clean plate, leaving any juices in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
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In the same skillet with the steak drippings, add the sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using). Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, caramelized, and fragrant.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the plate with the steak.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
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While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce (The Key Step!)
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In the now-empty skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste and will thicken your sauce.
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Slowly pour in the warm milk and beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It will begin to thicken noticeably.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded provolone cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon. Season with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
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Add the drained pasta, the cooked steak, and all the vegetables (with their juices) back into the skillet with the cheese sauce.
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Gently fold everything together until evenly combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded provolone cheese over the top.
Step 6: The Final Melt & Serve
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Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese on top is melted.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
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Serve immediately while hot and bubbly!
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
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Steak Choice: Ribeye is ideal for its fat marbling and flavor, but sirloin or flank steak work well too. For easiest slicing, pop the steak in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
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Cheese Swap: While provolone is traditional, a mix of provolone and white American cheese will give you that authentic, ultra-melty “cheez whiz” style. Sharp white cheddar is also a delicious alternative.
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Veggie Variations: Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers for heat, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end until wilted.
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Make-Ahead: You can slice the steak and vegetables up to a day in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
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Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 1.5 cups)
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Calories: ~720 kcal
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Total Fat: 34g
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Saturated Fat: 17g
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Cholesterol: 130mg
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Sodium: 880mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 55g
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Dietary Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 48g