High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the satisfying flavors of a classic cheesesteak with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese. Packed with lean ground beef and colorful peppers, it’s a delicious, hearty twist on a favorite comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until they soften.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, crumbling it as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as needed. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta in the cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based meat.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for an added protein boost and extra fiber.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to deepen the flavor.
- Swap the light cream cheese with full fat for an even richer sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells works well. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, but the texture of the cheese sauce might change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with a creamy, cheesy macaroni base. Using lean ground beef and a blend of cheeses with sautéed peppers and onions, this dish offers a comforting yet protein-packed twist on traditional mac and cheese. Perfect for a hearty meal that satisfies cravings while maintaining balanced nutrition.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey or chickpeas)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g red bell pepper
- 75g green bell pepper
- 75g yellow bell pepper
Other Ingredients
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce later.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Add Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt together gently, forming a smooth, silky sauce.
- Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to ensure every noodle is coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Adjust the texture by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein comfort meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chickpeas for a different protein source or to make it vegetarian with chickpeas.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for an added protein boost and extra fiber.
- You can adjust spice levels by varying the amount of paprika and chili flakes.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without adding extra cream or milk.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish lighter and avoid greasiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high protein, creamy, ground beef, easy dinner, comfort food, stovetop recipe
