High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss Recipe
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.
- 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
