Description

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the classic comforting flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese. Featuring lean ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and melting cheese slices, this dish is a hearty, protein-packed twist on a beloved comfort meal. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein, making it a nutritious yet satisfying one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

800g lean ground beef (or turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
20g butter (or olive oil)
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 red, green, and yellow bell peppers (or any mix you prefer)

Pantry & Seasonings

Salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste
125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added protein)

Garnish

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 about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly to break it up evenly. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes according to your taste.
Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue stirring gently until the cheeses melt into a silky, creamy sauce.
Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni along with the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to coat each noodle with the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.

Notes

Tear the cheese slices into smaller pieces to help them melt faster and more evenly.
Keep the heat on low when adding cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
Taste the dish before serving and adjust seasoning as desired to suit your preference.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 300g)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy mac, ground beef pasta, healthy comfort food