High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese puts a delicious twist on a classic comfort food by adding lean ground beef and colorful bell peppers. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with a protein boost, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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 extra protein)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Crumble in the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked chickpeas or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase the protein and fiber content.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
• Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili flakes or adding hot sauce.
• To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheeses and skip the butter, using olive oil instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure it cooks al dente and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add a little more reserved pasta water or milk, stirring gently until you reach your desired consistency. This helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, combining lean ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich cheese sauce with whole wheat macaroni. Packed with protein and melty cheeses, this recipe is an indulgent yet balanced meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 100g chopped white onion
• 75g red bell pepper
• 75g green bell pepper
• 75g yellow bell pepper

Dairy and Fats

• 20g butter (or olive oil)
• 140g light cream cheese
• 50g shredded mozzarella
• 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)

Others

• 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta preferred for protein boost)
• 125ml reserved pasta water
• Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste.
4. Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt fully into a smooth, silky sauce while stirring continuously.
5. Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring every noodle is well coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness with more pasta water if needed.

Notes

• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for an extra protein boost.
• If preferred, substitute lean ground turkey or chickpeas to make the dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the chili flakes for heat preference.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, bright note and enhances presentation.
• Draining excess fat from the cooked beef helps keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak, Mac and Cheese, High Protein, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Lean Beef, Healthy Mac and Cheese