Description

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with a creamy, cheesy macaroni base. Featuring lean ground beef, sautéed colorful bell peppers, and a rich blend of cream and melting cheeses, this dish delivers a satisfying protein boost and a luscious texture. Perfect for a hearty dinner that brings together savory, cheesy, and fresh elements in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
20g butter (or olive oil)
140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your favourite melting cheese)

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Pasta

240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
125ml reserved pasta water

Seasonings & Garnish

Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste.
Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices, allowing them to melt fully into a silky sauce.
Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if desired.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute lean ground turkey or chickpeas for a different protein or plant-based option.
Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta will increase the protein content and make the dish even heartier.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spiciness to your preference.
If you prefer a vegan version, swap cheese with plant-based alternatives and use chickpeas instead of meat.
Reserved pasta water helps to loosen the cheese sauce without diluting its flavor.

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 cheesesteak pasta, ground beef pasta recipe, easy dinner recipes