Introduction

Experience the comforting flavors of a Philly cheesesteak blended seamlessly with creamy mac and cheese in this high-protein, satisfying dish. It’s a perfect meal for those craving a hearty, cheesy dinner with a nutritious twist.

The dish shows three main layers in a white bowl: a base of elbow macaroni pasta in creamy, light yellow cheese sauce with a smooth and slightly glossy texture, a layer of cooked ground beef scattered evenly with a granular and browned texture, and small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers adding bright pops of color. The entire dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs and lightly sprinkled black pepper, creating small black specks over the cheese sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Bring 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.
Step 2: 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 tender and translucent.
Step 3: Crumble in the lean ground beef, stirring into the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart as it browns. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low, then stir in light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue stirring until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with chickpeas or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a subtle warming note.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Swap light cream cheese for full-fat cream cheese for a richer, thicker sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy mac and cheese dish with three main layers visible: a bottom layer of golden, soft macaroni pasta, a middle layer of melted white and yellow cheese blending together smoothly, and a top layer of browned sausage pieces and halved red cherry tomatoes scattered unevenly. The dish is garnished with small green herb flakes and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. The food is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta varieties such as chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! Cook the pasta and beef mixture separately, then combine and finish with the cheese sauce just before serving. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss is a delicious and satisfying twist on classic mac and cheese, packed with lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting, protein-rich meal that combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with cheesy baked pasta goodness.

Author: Kai
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

Macaroni

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

Meat and 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)

Cheese and Dairy

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)

Seasonings and 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

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve approximately 125ml of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and translucent, releasing their flavors.
Cook the ground beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir frequently as it cooks for 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat apart to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season the mixture: Season the cooked meat and vegetables with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
Make the cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until all the cheeses melt together, forming a creamy, smooth sauce.
Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the drained macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheesesteak sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added color and freshness. Serve hot for a comforting, protein-packed meal.

Notes

You can substitute lean ground turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian or lighter protein option.
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used instead of traditional dry macaroni for added fiber and nutrients.
Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Use olive oil in place of butter for a healthier fat alternative.
Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the creaminess of the sauce without thinning it excessively.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor but is optional.

Keywords: philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high protein, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner