High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
