Description
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a rich, comforting, and protein-packed dinner made with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta—all ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
8 oz dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea optional)
For the Filling
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chickpeas)
1 cup chopped white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups bell peppers (mixed colors)
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
8 oz light cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
4 slices light cheese
For Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices. Mix until melted and smooth (3–4 minutes).
Add cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is coated in a creamy sauce.
Adjust consistency if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent a grainy sauce.
Use chickpea pasta for extra protein.
Add mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.
Reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg