High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss combines the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. It’s a satisfying meal packed with protein and vibrant veggies, perfect for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Consider turkey or chickpeas for a lighter option.)
- 1 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be a healthier alternative.)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh or jarred garlic works well.)
- 1 cup Chopped White Onion (Shallots can substitute.)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Mix colors for visual appeal or use any available variety.)
- 8 oz Light Cream Cheese (Light ricotta can be a great substitute.)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (Alternatives include provolone or fontina.)
- 4 slices Light Cheese Slices (Use your favorite melting cheese if desired.)
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole Wheat or Chickpea can enhance protein content.)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 125 ml Reserved Pasta Water (Helps create a silky sauce.)
- Fresh Parsley (Optional for serving.)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the dry macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Reserve 125 ml of pasta water before draining the macaroni. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 3: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet, stirring well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Add light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices to the skillet. Stir continuously until all cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir until noodles are fully coated in the cheese sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 6: Remove from heat. Serve in bowls garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based chickpeas.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to boost fiber and protein further.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- If you prefer spicier, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess as needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well when done carefully.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells can be substituted. Just adjust cooking time as needed for al dente texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly after thawing. It’s best to freeze in individual portions and reheat gently to keep it creamy.
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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss is a savory and indulgent comfort food dish that combines the hearty flavors of lean ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a gooey cheese sauce made from light cream cheese, mozzarella, and melting cheese slices. The dish uses dry macaroni pasta cooked al dente and blended with a rich and creamy cheese sauce freshened with reserved pasta water, delivering a protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese with the iconic Philly cheesesteak flair.
Ingredients
Protein and Cheese
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Consider turkey or chickpeas for a lighter option.)
- 8 oz Light Cream Cheese (Light ricotta can be a great substitute.)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (Alternatives include provolone or fontina.)
- 4 slices Light Cheese Slices (Use your favorite melting cheese if desired.)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh or jarred garlic works well.)
- 1 cup Chopped White Onion (Shallots can substitute.)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Mix colors for visual appeal or use any available variety.)
- 0 Fresh Parsley (Optional for serving.)
Starch and Liquids
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole Wheat or Chickpea can enhance protein content.)
- 125 ml Reserved Pasta Water (Helps create a silky sauce.)
Fats and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be a healthier alternative.)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add dry macaroni. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Reserve 125 ml of the pasta water before draining the macaroni. Set the drained macaroni aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add minced garlic, chopped onions, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Brown the ground beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and most moisture evaporates. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes for a balanced spicy and savory flavor.
- Make the cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water back into the skillet with the cheese and beef mixture. Stir thoroughly until the noodles are coated evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Add additional reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired silky consistency.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the mac and cheese in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta can increase the fiber and protein content to make the dish even more nutritious.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Light cream cheese keeps the sauce rich yet lower in fat; ricotta is a good alternative to maintain creaminess.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and adding moisture without diluting flavor.
- Serving with a side of greens balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, ground beef mac and cheese, easy stovetop mac and cheese, comfort food recipe
