This Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate hearty pasta dish, infused with authentic Philadelphia flair!
Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese: A Super Bowl Champion’s Comfort Food!
Hello, food enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate with a dish that’s as legendary as the victory that inspired it. Today, we’re serving up something truly special in honor of the Super Bowl LII Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles! This isn’t just any macaroni and cheese; it’s a rich, creamy, and intensely cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese – a dish so spectacular, you might just call it the “Philly Special” of comfort food.
For those who followed the thrilling Super Bowl LII, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the iconic play executed by the Philadelphia Eagles, famously dubbed the Philly Special. It was a moment of pure football magic, showcasing incredible composure and strategic brilliance from quarterback Nick Foles and coach Doug Pederson at a pivotal point in the game. Even now, watching the replay sends shivers down my spine – what an unforgettable display of courage and skill!
As a devoted sports fan, there was no way I could let such a momentous victory pass without creating a culinary tribute. The Eagles’ win, a culmination of 52 years of dedication and hope, deserved a dish that embodied the spirit and flavors of the City of Brotherly Love.
Embracing Philadelphia’s Culinary Heritage
Philadelphians are renowned for their fierce loyalty and passion – not just for their sports teams, but also for their beloved culinary traditions. Two of the city’s most iconic and deeply cherished foods are the classic Philly cheesesteak and the soft pretzel. These culinary staples are more than just food; they are an integral part of Philadelphia’s identity. When planning a celebratory recipe for such an incredible victory, it was clear that it had to revolve around these local favorites.
As a self-proclaimed comfort food junkie, I knew this dish needed to be deeply satisfying and incredibly cozy, much like some of my other favorite hearty creations, such as Mushroom Florentine Gnocchi, French Onion Pasta, and Lasagna Bolognese. The challenge was to marry the rich, savory flavors of a cheesesteak with the creamy indulgence of macaroni and cheese, and then elevate it with an authentic Philly touch.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
This Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s an homage to a city’s heart and soul, combining beloved flavors into one irresistible dish. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender pasta enveloped in a luxurious cheese sauce, punctuated by savory, thinly shaved steak, and vibrant peppers and onions. But what truly sets this dish apart and makes it undeniably “Philly” are the soft pretzel crumbs. They’re not just an optional topping; they are an absolute must, adding an unparalleled layer of flavor and a delightful textural crunch that makes every bite memorable.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
- The Hearty Base: We start with perfectly cooked elbow noodles, or your favorite small pasta, providing the ideal canvas for the rich flavors to come.
- The Star of the Show: Thinly shaved sirloin steak, cooked until tender and flavorful, ensuring that signature cheesesteak essence in every spoonful.
- The Creamy Indulgence: A decadent cheese sauce crafted with a blend of two classic cheeses: sharp Provolone and creamy American. This combination melts into a smooth, gooey perfection, enhanced by whole milk and heavy cream for ultimate richness.
- The Aromatic Foundation: Sautéed yellow onions and green bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast, echoing the traditional cheesesteak experience.
- The Signature Topping: The soft pretzel crumbs are the secret weapon. Made from toasted pretzel pieces, they offer a unique salty crunch and an authentic Philadelphia taste that elevates the entire dish.
This dish is guaranteed to earn a thumbs-up from even the most discerning Philadelphia Eagles fan. It’s truly a special creation, perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting, satisfying meal with a unique twist. The blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and that unmistakable pretzel crunch creates a culinary masterpiece that celebrates victory and deliciousness in equal measure.
Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese
- Quality Steak Matters: Opt for thinly shaved sirloin or ribeye. Many butchers can shave it for you, or you can partially freeze a steak at home and slice it thinly yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your elbow noodles al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly firm pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated Provolone and American cheese melt much more smoothly, leading to a creamier sauce.
- The Pretzel Crumbs are Key: Do not skip this step! The toasted soft pretzel crumbs provide a crucial textural element and a salty, savory flavor that truly embodies the Philly spirit. If you can’t find fresh soft pretzels, a good quality pretzel roll can be a decent substitute.
- Seasoning is Everything: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper for the steak and the sauce. The ground mustard and cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce add depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Serve It Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the cheese is bubbly and the pretzel crumbs are crisp.
Get ready to indulge in this incredible fusion dish that brings together the best of Philadelphia’s iconic flavors. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort, community, and championship spirit. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Philly Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow noodles or your favorite small pasta noodles
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 16 oz. sirloin steak, thinly shaved
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 2 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne red pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups provolone cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups American cheese, freshly grated
Soft Pretzel Crumbs
- 1 cup soft pretzel crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fill a large pot with water and 2 tsp. salt; bring to a boil. Prepare the macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the thinly shaved sirloin steak and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove the cooked steak to a large plate and set aside. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in the same saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the ground mustard, cayenne red pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 8 minutes, until it has thickened nicely. Remove from heat and stir in 3 1/2 cups of the freshly grated Provolone and American cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and steak meat to the cheese sauce, mixing well to combine. Pour the mixture into a 2.4-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese and the prepared soft pretzel crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- For the Pretzel Crumbs: Place pieces of soft pretzel into a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add the pretzel crumbs and cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing often, until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.