Instant Pot Cheesesteak Pasta

My kids call this cheesy cheesesteak casserole which kinda’ makes sense too, whatever works! A family favorite comfort food actually around here. If you’re looking for easy Instant Pot recipes to try, we have over 100 of them here!

I bet you’ve had this in it’s “normal” fashion wrapped in a bun with cheese BUT it’s always good to step out of the box. You’ll love this one just as much, maybe more….

Any brand will do just as long as it has the high pressure function. Use your Crockpot Express or if you make it as an easy Ninja Foodi recipe you can melt and make the top layer of cheese a golden brown.

If you are new to pressure cooking we have a lot of easy one pot meal recipes for you here. To begin with let’s start with a few basic tips:

• You can PRINT this —–> Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet that will help you understand how long meat, vegetables and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
• I HIGHLY recommend you buy this non stick pot.
  • You should know how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing but it won’t have as many issues with this better liner.

For reference, this is the model I have (a 6 quart) and use for all recipe creations.

Ingredient Notes

If you have ever had one of these famous sandwiches you know that they’re packed with flavor for sure, this casserole is no different other than you use noodles (small or medium sizes) instead of big bready buns.

As for the meat you do have some choices. Ground beef is probably the most common one to use but I sure do love spicy ground sausage from Jimmy Dean, or half and half for just a bit of heat. You could even use thin strips of steak like our Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli.

Beef broth is better than water when it comes to the necessary liquid needed to cook the pasta to al dente or tender with your meat and veggies. Diced onions and bell peppers is optional but expected with cheesesteaks.

And just like our Sloppy Joe Philly Cheesesteak we love lots of cheese like lots of it if you ask us!

Ninja Foodi Cheesesteak Pasta

If you are going to use this pot you will follow the same instructions below. Use the lid that is not attached with the pressure cook button to cook. The only reason you would use the lid that is attached is if you wanted to crisp an additional layer of cheese on the top. Here are a few questions you might have before you get started:

Tips for Success

2 things you need to remember when making Instant Pot casseroles:

You MUST deglaze Instant Pot after sauteeing any meat. This means you must get all stuck on meat off the bottom. DO NOT stir pasta (or if you’re using rice) in, rather pour it in at the top and gently submerge into liquid. If you don’t follow these rules, a burn messagemay occur.

Add the olive oil, bell peppers, diced onions and add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until meat is no longer pink. You can add seasonings at this time if you like. Taste and see if you want more. Use some broth to deglaze the pot and get stuck on meat off the bottom so pot doesn’t display burn notice.

Then sprinkle uncooked noodles on the top and gently submerge into liquid, do NOT stir. Close lid and steam valve and set to high pressure followed by a quick release or noodles will cook too long. Stir in cheese and/or melt more on top if desired before serving.

How do you not overcook pasta in an Instant Pot?

You can use straight but I prefer smaller / different types of medium sized pastas shell or farfalle shapes. You do not want to leave these in too long or they will get too soft. A bit al dente is ideal and that just takes 3-6 minutes depending on whether there are other ingredients in the pot or they are alone.

Alone with just water or broth Instant Pot pasta recipes only take about 3 minutes under high pressure. In the case that there is meat and sauce in there it will take a bit longer at 5-6 minutes but no longer. Another thing to remember is to release the pressure immediately or noodles will continue to soften.

You really don’t need a side dish unless you feel the need to have a side salad or other vegetables. I love easy pressure cooker recipes like this where it’s all combined into one pot with veggies, carbs and protein.

Other easy Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you love pre cooked kielbasa, I would make ourInstant Pot sausage and rice casserole. It’s a family friendly recipe that’s super cheesy. Our Instant Pot beef and noodles is incredible. And on the stovetop our sloppy joe Philly cheesesteak dish is similar but made in a skillet if you’d rather.

FAQ

Typically ribeye steak is what is chosen. Since we are transitioning this favorite meal into a casserole, ground beef is used instead. It makes this meal cheaper and a bit easier to eat for little ones.

Well, it kinda’ says in it’s name: Philadelphia Pennsylvania is where it started by the Olivieri couple.

Traditionally white American or sliced provolone cheese are used, depends on your preference if you’re making it yourself.