High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Bliss
A delicious High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese perfect for busy nights, packed with flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Pasta
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used)
- For the Filling
- 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)
- For the Sauce
- 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)
- For Seasoning
- 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. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve approximately 125ml of pasta water before draining.
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.
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.
4. Reduce heat to low, stir in light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir until melted and creamy, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet, mixing until all is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust thickness with more pasta water if necessary.
Notes
For best results, keep the heat low while adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg