Description

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss is a decadent yet nutritious twist on the classic mac and cheese. Featuring lean ground beef, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a rich combination of light cream cheese and mozzarella, this dish offers a creamy, cheesy texture with a spicy kick from paprika and chili flakes. Perfect as a hearty meal, it integrates protein-packed ingredients while maintaining the comforting feel of classic Philly cheesesteak flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Dairy

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.)
1 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be a healthier alternative.)

Vegetables & 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.)

Pantry Staples & Seasonings

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.)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the dry macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Before draining, reserve 125 ml of the pasta water. Drain the macaroni and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, add minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
Cook the Ground Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates. Drain any excess fat and season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the noodles with the cheese sauce, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired silky consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the mac & cheese in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or garlic bread.

Notes

You can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Olive oil can replace butter for a healthier fat alternative.
Mix different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
To enhance protein content, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta instead of traditional macaroni.
Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili flakes.
Reserved pasta water is key to making the cheese sauce silky and smooth.
Serve immediately for the best texture, as mac & cheese tends to thicken upon standing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy cheesesteak pasta, lean ground beef recipes, cheesy macaroni skillet