High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This high-protein creamy Philly cheesesteak mac & cheese combines the comforting richness of melted cheese with savory ground beef and vibrant peppers. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner that brings classic flavors together in a creamy pasta delight.
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 macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices, allowing them to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to coat every noodle with the cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if necessary.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey or chickpeas instead of ground beef for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for an extra protein and fiber boost.
- Adjust the spices according to your heat preference, adding more chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- To make it even creamier, add a splash of milk or cream along with the cheeses.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or milk to restore the creamy sauce consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with any melting cheeses you prefer, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack, to suit your taste.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator 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 savory flavors of classic Philly cheesesteak with a rich, cheesy macaroni base. Lean ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a blend of creamy cheeses come together to create a comforting, high-protein dish perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g red bell pepper, chopped
- 75g green bell pepper, chopped
- 75g yellow bell pepper, chopped
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes to taste
Cheese & Dairy
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
Pasta & Garnish
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended for protein boost)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat olive oil). Add minced garlic, chopped white onion, and the chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season the mixture well with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue to gently stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
- Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness with more pasta water if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with chickpeas or plant-based ground meat.
- To increase protein, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta as suggested.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of paprika and chili flakes according to preference.
- Use light cheese varieties to keep the fat content lower.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: High-protein, creamy mac and cheese, Philly cheesesteak, ground beef recipe, stovetop mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, easy dinner
