Epic Campfire Steak 🥩 & $300 Cheese Wheel Pasta

Epic Campfire Steak 🥩 & $300 Cheese Wheel Pasta is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook Loop on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $19.75 total, $4.94 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Beef Steak (cut into bite‑size pieces, tied with kitchen twine for even cooking)
  • 2 tbsp Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adds color and mild heat)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning the meat and pasta water)
  • 4 pcs Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (for homemade pasta dough)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, mixed into dough)
  • 4 cups Water (for boiling pasta)
  • 1 pcs Eggplant (medium, sliced and simmered in pot (optional))
  • 2 pcs Green Bell Pepper (sliced thin)
  • 2 pcs Jalapeño Pepper (sliced; adds heat)
  • 3 pcs Garlic Clove (minced)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (grated over finished dish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Steak

    Place the raw steak on a cutting board, cut it into bite‑size pieces, and tie the pieces together with kitchen twine. In a small wooden bowl, combine chopped peppercorns, red chili powder, and salt; toss the steak pieces in this mixture until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make Pasta Dough

    In a large wooden bowl, create a well in 2 cups of flour. Crack two eggs into the well, add 2 tbsp olive oil, and whisk with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8‑10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT20M

  3. Roll and Cut Pasta

    Using a rolling pin, roll the rested dough into a thin sheet (about 1 mm thick). Fold the sheet loosely and cut into ¼‑inch wide strips on a wooden board. Unfold the strips and hang them on a pasta drying rack or lay them on a clean towel.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Prep Vegetables & Aromatics

    Slice the green bell peppers and jalapeños thinly. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the rosemary sprig. Set everything aside.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Boil Pasta

    Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, then drop the fresh pasta strips. Cook for 3‑4 minutes or until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 212°F

  6. Sear Steak with Butter, Garlic & Rosemary

    Heat the cast iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter, the minced garlic, and chopped rosemary; stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the seasoned steak pieces and sliced jalapeños, searing for 4‑5 minutes until browned but still pink inside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Combine Pasta, Meat, and Veggies

    Add the cooked pasta strips to the skillet with the steak. Toss in the sliced green bell peppers and pour in the reserved pasta water. Stir gently for 1‑2 minutes until everything is well‑combined and the sauce coats the noodles.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Finish with Cheese

    Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and let it melt for about 30 seconds. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra chopped rosemary.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
650
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Epic Campfire Steak 🥩 & $300 Cheese Wheel Pasta

Recipe by Cook Loop

A hearty, hand‑made pasta tossed with tender steak, sautéed peppers, garlic‑rosemary butter, and melted cheese. This rustic Italian‑American dish combines the satisfaction of fresh pasta with the bold flavors of pepper‑spiced beef and melty cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 7m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.75
Total cost
$4.94
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading the pasta dough to develop gluten
  • Rolling the dough thin enough for quick cooking
  • Searing the steak without overcooking
  • Timing the pasta so it remains al dente

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw steak with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven‑mitts when handling the hot cast‑iron skillet.
  • Be careful when chopping peppers; wear gloves if sensitive to capsaicin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade steak and cheese pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Homemade pasta dishes have long been a staple of Italian home cooking, and Italian immigrants in America often added locally available proteins like steak to create hearty, protein‑rich meals. Combining fresh noodles with beef and cheese reflects the fusion of Italian techniques with American comfort‑food preferences.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of steak and cheese pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

In the Northeastern United States, especially New York, you’ll find versions with beef strips and mozzarella, while in the Midwest, cheddar or provolone may be used. Some families add tomato‑based sauces, but the simple butter‑garlic‑rosemary version highlighted by Cook Loop stays true to a rustic, cheese‑focused style.

cultural
Q

How is authentic homemade steak and cheese pasta traditionally served in Italian‑American households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the skillet, with a generous sprinkling of grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. A side of crusty bread and a simple green salad often accompany the dish for a complete family meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is steak and cheese pasta traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

This hearty pasta is popular for weekend family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and holiday meals where a filling, crowd‑pleasing main course is desired. Its quick preparation also makes it a favorite for casual dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with steak and cheese pasta?

A

Pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon. For a full meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a light minestrone soup.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for steak and cheese pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh egg‑based pasta, high‑quality beef steak, butter, garlic, rosemary, and mozzarella or provolone cheese. Acceptable substitutes are dried pasta, flank steak, butter‑alternatives, and cheddar if mozzarella is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making steak and cheese pasta at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, which makes it tough; overcooking the fresh pasta, leading to mushy noodles; and searing the steak too long, which dries it out. Also, forgetting to reserve pasta water can result in a dry sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this steak and cheese pasta recipe use a butter‑garlic‑rosemary pan‑sear instead of a tomato‑based sauce?

A

Cook Loop emphasizes the natural flavors of the steak and fresh pasta, letting the butter, garlic, and rosemary create a light, aromatic coating that lets the cheese melt beautifully without being masked by a heavy tomato sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make steak and cheese pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the pasta dough and dry the noodles up to 24 hours in advance. Cooked steak can be marinated and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. Store the assembled cooked pasta and steak separately in airtight containers; reheat together in a skillet with a splash of water and add cheese just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making steak and cheese pasta?

A

The fresh pasta should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite (al dente). The steak pieces should be browned on the outside but pink inside. The finished dish should have a glossy coating from butter and pasta water, with melted cheese lightly bubbling on top.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook Loop specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook Loop specializes in outdoor and camp‑style cooking tutorials, focusing on rustic, hands‑on techniques that blend traditional recipes with wilderness‑friendly methods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook Loop's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cook Loop often demonstrates recipes using minimal, portable equipment like cast‑iron pans and wooden tools, emphasizing fire‑cooking and field‑ready adaptations, whereas many other channels rely on fully equipped kitchen studios.

channel

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