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

Scale

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