Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese

Culinary Fusion Masterpiece – Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese Extravaganza

Embark on a culinary adventure that brings together the comfort of stuffed shells, the bold flavors of Philly cheesesteak, and the creamy richness of cheese. Introducing the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese, a dish that promises to be the star of your dinner table. Join us as we dive into the art of crafting this indulgent masterpiece, where pasta shells are filled with a savory cheesesteak mixture and bathed in a luscious cheese sauce.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Stuffed Shells:

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Sauté until the steak is browned, and the vegetables are tender.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheesesteak mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  5. Combine provolone and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle over the stuffed shells.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a paste forms.
  2. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
  3. Add sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the cheese sauce over the baked stuffed shells.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cook Notes

Perfecting Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese involves some key cook notes:

  • Thin Steak Slices: Ensure the steak slices are thinly cut for a tender filling.
  • Vegetable Tenderness: Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight crunch for added texture.
  • Proper Cheese Melting: Watch the stuffed shells in the oven to avoid overcooking. The cheese should be melted and bubbly but not overly browned.
  • Creamy Cheese Sauce: Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to achieve a velvety, lump-free consistency.

Variations

Mushroom Lover’s Paradise:

Elevate your dish with a Mushroom Lover’s Paradise variation:

  • Increase the quantity of mushrooms or mix in different mushroom varieties for a more robust flavor.

Bacon Bliss Explosion:

Transform your stuffed shells with a Bacon Bliss Explosion:

  • Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheesesteak mixture for a smoky kick.

Spicy Jalapeño Fiesta:

Indulge in a Spicy Jalapeño Fiesta variation:

  • Include diced jalapeños in the cheesesteak filling or sprinkle them on top for a spicy twist.

Keto Version

For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, adapt Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese to suit your dietary preferences:

  • Vegetable Adjustments: Replace high-carb vegetables like onions and bell peppers with lower-carb options like spinach or kale.
  • Almond Flour Roux: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to make a keto-friendly roux for the cheese sauce.
  • Cauliflower Shell Option: Substitute jumbo pasta shells with cauliflower shells or another keto-friendly pasta alternative.

Low-Carb Version

If you’re conscious of your carbohydrate intake without strictly adhering to keto, consider these adjustments:

  • Reduced Pasta Quantity: Use fewer jumbo pasta shells or consider a mix of regular and low-carb pasta.
  • Lighter Cheese Sauce: Use a smaller quantity of cheese sauce or opt for a lighter cheese variety.
  • Leaner Meat Option: Choose a leaner cut of steak to reduce overall fat content.

ConclusionIn conclusion, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese is a celebration of culinary fusion, combining the best elements of Philly cheesesteak and classic stuffed shells into one extraordinary dish. This recipe invites you to experience the richness of creamy cheese sauce, the savory goodness of cheesesteak, and the satisfying comfort of pasta.

Whether you stay true to the classic recipe, explore creative variations, or adapt it to meet specific dietary needs, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells And Cheese promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. May your dinner table be adorned with the delicious indulgence of this savory masterpiece. Happy cooking!