High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic mac and cheese. Packed with savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich cheesy sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
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 favorite melting cheese)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Cook gently until all the cheese melts 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 creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with chickpeas or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- If you like it spicy, increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can swap the cheeses for your favorites like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. Just choose melting cheeses to keep the sauce creamy.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta varieties to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.
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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 is a savory and satisfying twist on classic mac and cheese, packed with lean ground beef and colorful bell peppers for a flavorful, protein-rich meal. The creamy cheese sauce envelops tender macaroni for ultimate comfort food with an added nutritional boost.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g red bell pepper
- 75g green bell pepper
- 75g yellow bell pepper
Dairy
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
Dry Goods
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Chili flakes (to taste)
Other
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until it reaches al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Sauté Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter (or warm olive oil). Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and the three colors of bell peppers. Sauté together for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Add Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your preference.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to low, then add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices to the beef and veggies. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt smoothly and combine into a creamy sauce.
- Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and the reserved pasta water into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle with the cheesy, savory sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this protein-packed comfort meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
- Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta boosts the protein and fiber content of this dish.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- To make it lower in fat, use olive oil instead of butter and opt for light cheese varieties.
- 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 mac and cheese, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, stovetop mac and cheese
