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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss combines the savory flavors of lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melted cheese into a rich and creamy macaroni dish. Perfectly balanced with spices and a hint of heat from chili flakes, this comforting recipe is an elevated twist on classic mac and cheese with a protein boost.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used)

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Can be swapped with ground turkey or chickpeas)
  • 1 cup Chopped White Onion (Yellow onion works well as a substitute)
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Use freshly minced for maximum flavor)
  • 2 cups Bell Peppers (Red, Green & Yellow) (Use any mix based on preference)

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons Butter (Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative)
  • 8 oz Light Cream Cheese (Regular cream cheese can be used for a richer sauce)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (Any favorite melting cheese can substitute)
  • 4 slices Light Cheese Slices (Any good melting cheese slice will do)

Spices & Garnish

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve approximately 125ml of the pasta water before draining it to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and translucent, releasing their flavors.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef, stirring into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it browns evenly. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes for a balanced savory and mildly spicy flavor.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices into the beef and vegetable mixture. Continue stirring until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness with additional pasta water if necessary for desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chickpeas to make this dish leaner or vegetarian-friendly.
  • Whole wheat or chickpea pasta increases the fiber and protein content of the meal.
  • Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
  • Reserve some pasta water to control sauce consistency without thinning with plain water.
  • For a richer sauce, use regular cream cheese and full-fat cheese varieties.

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high-protein mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese with beef, skillet mac and cheese, easy comfort food

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/high-protein-creamy-philly-cheesesteak-mac-and-cheese-bliss-recipe/