Thursday, May 19, 2011

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta

Thank you for all the kind words concerning my daughter! She appreciated them too!


Our very first meal here in Philly was, of course, the Philly Cheese Steak. But when you live in Philly, they're not called Philly Cheese Steak, they're just called "steaks." You learn these things. And when you go to the famous Pat's or Geno's, there's a very specific way of ordering them. You can't use a lot of words, and you can't hesitate. You use the term "wit" if you want onions, specify what kind of cheese you want, and you get the heck out of the way, otherwise their is going to be trouble. It's a very serious business.

I LOVE our city's sandwich, especially with bacon, ohmygosh, drippy, greasy goodness. But as you can imagine, when you eat one, it's there to stay, usually right in my thighs, so I don't eat them often.

Instead, it's fun to find substitutes like this, still delicious, still cheesy and flavorful, but a lot nicer to my hips.

Philly Cheese Steak Pasta
Adapted from Betty Crocker

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked dumpling or wide egg noodles
1 lb beef boneless sirloin steak, about 3/4 inch thick
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, chopped
1 small bell pepper, chopped
14 oz can beef broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup fat free half and half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350. Spray 11x7 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.

2. Meanwhile, remove fat from beef. Cut beef into 3/4 inch pieces. Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook beef and pepper in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown. Stir in onions and bell pepper. Cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon into baking dish.

3. In medium bowl, beat broth and flour with wire whisk until smooth. Add to skillet; heat to boiling. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens; remove from heat. Stir in half and half and mustard. Spoon over beef mixture. Stir in cooked noodles.

4. Cover and bake 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

Serves 6: 1 1/3 cups

Per Serving: 260 cal, 5g fat, 2g fiber, 24g prot, 30g carb

Our Philadelphia Family!




21 comments:

Pam said...

Cute family photos... so glad your daughter is feeling better. This pasta looks insanely good - love it!

Christo Gonzales said...

now this is my idea of comfort food - and dang you guys are a good lookin' bunch...

Lara said...

We were just in Philadelphia for Spring Break and were thrilled to try our first real deal Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches (in the Reading Terminal Market). We had such a great time there, that we already have our next Philly trip planned (the sites to see, not the dates yet). We'll definitely add Pat's and Geno's to our list, but in the meantime this pasta looks like a great way to tide us over until then! :)

chow and chatter said...

great recipe and what an adorable and cool family you are

chow and chatter said...

great recipe and what an adorable and cool family you are

Julie said...

I'll bet Philadelphia is a wonderfully fun place to live :) Love your family photos too, and glad your daughter is feeling better! Love this pasta with a capital YUM!!

Barbara said...

Anything that looks like this AND is lo-cal is for me! Wow. 260 calories?? Amazing.
Love your photos. So adorable and that last one is a real winner!

Lynn said...

Mmm, Teresa, this looks yummy. And thanks for the hints about how to order if I'm ever in your city ;)

Holly said...

What an awesome idea-looks delish!!
Adorable family;)

Velva said...

I love your sandwich too. I have not yet enjoyed an authentic Philly "steak" sandwich but someday soon.

Your philly cheese steak pasta looks marvelous. Love it.

Happy Friday.
Velva

Sook said...

Love your cute family photos! And that pasta... I really want to try it sometime.

Debbie said...

I love your pictures and I love this recipe too!

Kim said...

I love those pics of you and your family! And, you totally have me wondering about eating a philly cheesesteak with bacon. I've never had it that way and now I want to. This pasta looks incredible. The only bad part is wanting another plate of it:)

Arlene Delloro said...

I'd never have thought of this and I want to try it soon. I know it can be lightened and retain the flavor. Great photos, too.

Mary Bergfeld said...

What an original recipe. It sounds delicious. The star of today's post, however, is your beautiful family. The photos are wonderful. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Heather S-G said...

I love the family shots...so cute! And I have always wanted to go to Philly for the soul purpose of hitting that famous corner! Your pasta looks delish =)

theUngourmet said...

I'm glad your sweet girl is feeling better. My kids mean the world to me and it's so hard to take when they aren't well.

My husband took a trip to Philly recently (as you know :0)) and he loved it! He can't wait to get back over there.

Your Pasta looks amazing and I love your family photos!

Val said...

What an adorable family!!!!!!!!!!! Love this recipe!

MaryMoh said...

Perfect comfort food...mmmm. I know my girls will love this. Looks very delicious. Hope you have a wonderful day. MaryMoh @ http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm all about hip friendly substitutes!

Jennifer said...

What a great recipe and a gorgeous family and city as well. I have never been there but it looks like a great place to live!