Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is where creamy, dreamy homemade macaroni and cheese collides with the savory, beefy, and cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Every bite is loaded with tender shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a ridiculously smooth and flavorful cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence.
We’re not just mixing steak into mac and cheese. We’re building layers of flavor from the ground up, ensuring every component is perfect before it comes together. We’ll get a beautiful sear on the steak, caramelize the veggies to bring out their sweetness, and create a cheese sauce so velvety it will blow your mind. Forget the grainy sauces and tough steak—this recipe is designed to be foolproof and absolutely delicious.
Why This Recipe is a Total Game-Changer
There are a lot of recipes out there, but this one is special. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: We use a secret weapon for the smoothest cheese sauce you’ve ever had. No graininess, just pure, liquid gold.
- Perfectly Tender Steak: We’ll show you how to choose and cook the steak so it stays juicy and tender, never chewy.
- Authentic Cheesesteak Flavor: With sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a double-cheese punch of Provolone and Cheddar, this dish delivers on its promise.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in. If you love savory bakes, you’ll also love this Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Bake.
The Key Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
The magic of this dish comes from using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Steak and Veggies:
- Ribeye Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye is the classic choice for its marbling and tenderness. Sirloin is a great alternative.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: A yellow onion and a green bell pepper are essential for that authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a layer of aromatic depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savory, umami kick that elevates the beef flavor.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce & Pasta:
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi are perfect. You want something that will catch all that glorious sauce.
- Butter & Flour: The foundation of our roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Evaporated Milk: The key to a super smooth, stable cheese sauce that resists breaking or becoming grainy.
- Sharp Cheddar & Provolone Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the classic mac and cheese flavor, while Provolone brings that signature cheesesteak stretch and taste. Always grate your own cheese!
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need to perfectly season the sauce.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step
This recipe is all about technique. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly epic meal. For another steak recipe with incredible flavor, try these Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. You want it to have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook later. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak and Sauté the Veggies
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil. Season your thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper. Add it to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until just browned but still pink in the middle. Remove the steak and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside with the steak.
Step 3: Create the Velvety Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in the now-empty skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the regular milk and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the seasonings: smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Begin adding the shredded cheeses one handful at a time, whisking until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. This slow process is crucial for a smooth sauce. Once all the cheese is incorporated, your sauce should be glossy and perfect. For a different take on cheesy pasta, our White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a must-try.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta, seared steak, and sautéed vegetables to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated in cheesy goodness. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can serve it immediately, straight from the skillet, for an ultra-creamy experience.
Optional: Make it a Baked Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
If you love a golden, bubbly top, you can easily turn this into a baked casserole. Simply transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra Provolone and maybe some buttery breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Freeze Your Steak: For paper-thin slices, place your steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing. It makes it much easier to cut.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating a block of cheese is the most important step for a smooth sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or sauté some sliced jalapeños with the onions and peppers for a spicy kick.
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a fantastic addition that complements the steak and cheese perfectly.
Yes. You can assemble the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
The two most important things are to shred your own cheese from a block (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents) and to add the cheese to the sauce over low heat, one handful at a time, allowing each to melt fully before adding the next.
You can customize this dish easily! Try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra umami, use a mix of Cheez Whiz and provolone for a more ‘authentic’ Philly flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Ribeye is the classic choice due to its excellent marbling, which keeps it tender and flavorful. Thinly sliced top sirloin is another great, more budget-friendly option.
This is a very rich and hearty dish, so it pairs best with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed broccoli, or some roasted garlic bread would all be excellent choices.
Yes. You can assemble the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
The two most important things are to shred your own cheese from a block (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents) and to add the cheese to the sauce over low heat, one handful at a time, allowing each to melt fully before adding the next.
You can customize this dish easily! Try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra umami, use a mix of Cheez Whiz and provolone for a more ‘authentic’ Philly flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Ribeye is the classic choice due to its excellent marbling, which keeps it tender and flavorful. Thinly sliced top sirloin is another great, more budget-friendly option.
This is a very rich and hearty dish, so it pairs best with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed broccoli, or some roasted garlic bread would all be excellent choices.
Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a super creamy, homemade two-cheese sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that's guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the sliced steak with salt and pepper. Sear in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whisking constantly. Then, whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add smoked paprika and dry mustard powder. Add the shredded cheeses in handfuls, whisking until each addition is melted before adding more.
- Add the cooked pasta, seared steak, and cooked vegetables back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-combined and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best results, always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy sauce.
For extra thin steak slices, freeze the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the sliced steak with salt and pepper. Sear in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whisking constantly. Then, whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add smoked paprika and dry mustard powder. Add the shredded cheeses in handfuls, whisking until each addition is melted before adding more.
- Add the cooked pasta, seared steak, and cooked vegetables back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-combined and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra thin steak slices, freeze the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
The Perfect Comfort Food Awaits
This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab your skillet and get ready to create the ultimate comfort food mashup that your family will request again and again.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on Pinterest! We love seeing how you make our recipes your own.
