• Pasta (12 oz) – Short shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells work best. They hold the sauce and bits of beef and vegetables in every bite.
• Salt – For seasoning the pasta water, which is the first step to getting flavorful pasta.

For the Meat and Veggie Mixture

• Ground beef or shaved steak (1 lb) – Ground beef gives you a hearty, saucy texture, while shaved steak feels closer to a traditional Philly cheesesteak. Either works beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and helping the beef sear nicely.
• Bell peppers and onions – Use a mix for color and sweetness:

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional but great for color)

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth and savoriness to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To season the beef and vegetables.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For gentle heat and balance.
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked) – Adds a subtle warmth and color.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano – Gives a little herby background note that works well with beef and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory, slightly tangy umami boost that echoes the flavor of steak sandwiches.
• 1 cup beef broth – Helps create a flavorful base and keeps everything moist and saucy.

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of a simple roux.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce so it clings to the pasta.
• 1½ cups milk or half-and-half – For a creamy, velvety cheese sauce.
• 1½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese – Provolone gives classic cheesesteak flavor; mozzarella delivers that stretchy, melty pull.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and a bit of sharpness.
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) – You won’t taste “mustard” as such; it just deepens the flavor of the cheese sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To fine-tune the cheese sauce once it’s ready.

Optional Toppings and Garnishes

• Extra shredded cheese – For sprinkling on top before serving or baking.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat if you like things spicy.