Description

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a deliciously satisfying twist on the classic comfort food, combining lean ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a rich blend of cheeses with protein-packed macaroni. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it offers a balanced meal with creamy textures and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

800g lean ground beef (or substitute with turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
20g butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 tbsp minced garlic
100g chopped white onion
75g each of red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any bell pepper mix)

Pantry & Seasonings

Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, chopped white onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your liking.
Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow them to melt smoothly into a silky sauce, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well until every pasta noodle is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked chickpeas or plant-based meat alternatives.
Use whole wheat or chickpea-based macaroni to boost the protein and fiber content.
Add chili flakes gradually to control the heat level to your preference.
Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency without thinning out the flavor.
Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak, Mac and Cheese, High Protein, Creamy Pasta, Beef Macaroni, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner