Name: High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas); 20g butter (or olive oil); 1 tbsp minced garlic; 100g chopped white onion; 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!); Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste); 140g light cream cheese; 50g shredded mozzarella; 3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese); 125ml reserved pasta water; 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost); Fresh parsley for garnish

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Craving all the cozy cheesesteak vibes and that mac & cheese hug—without blowing your macros? This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese has your back! Juicy beef, sweet peppers, velvety cheese sauce, and pasta all come together in one skillet in 30 minutes flat. It’s weeknight magic that tastes like a cheat meal but fuels you like a champ. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe special is not just its incredible flavor but also how easy it is to whip up. You can savor every bite without worrying about your nutritional goals. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re short on time.
Family-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and colorful veggies, even the pickiest eaters will love it!
High in Protein: Packed with lean beef (or turkey/chickpeas), this meal supports your fitness goals while still being delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time for an easy reheat dinner during busy days.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Let’s gather everything you need for this satisfying dish!

For the Base

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
20g butter (or olive oil)
1 tbsp minced garlic
100g chopped white onion
75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)
Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)

For the Cheese Sauce

140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese)

For the Pasta

125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost)

For Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is super flexible! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry.

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chickpeas instead of beef for a lighter option or to cater to dietary preferences.
Add more veggies: Throw in some spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Change the cheese: Experiment with different types of melting cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique twist.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to amp up the flavor profile.

How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Start by boiling your macaroni in salted water until al dente. This step is crucial because it helps the pasta hold its shape and texture once mixed with the creamy sauce. Remember to reserve about 125ml of that starchy pasta water before draining—this will help create a luscious sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4–5 minutes until softened. This step enhances their flavors and brings out their natural sweetness. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 3: Add Beef

Now it’s time to crumble in that lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas). Cook for about 5–7 minutes while breaking it up into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes—this is where all those bold flavors come together!

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until they melt into a silky-smooth sauce. This creamy concoction will coat every piece of pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Bring it Together

Finally, toss in the cooked pasta along with that reserved pasta water. Stir everything until each noodle is generously coated in that creamy goodness. If necessary, adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water—it’s your dish; make it just right!

Now you’re all set! Dish out generous portions of this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese and enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Cooking this comforting dish is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your cooking game!

Choose Lean Proteins: Opting for lean ground beef or turkey helps reduce fat while keeping the protein content high, making this dish nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match bell peppers or add in other veggies like mushrooms or spinach. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a personal touch to your dish.
Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Always save some of that starchy pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the creaminess of your sauce, ensuring every noodle is perfectly coated.
Experiment with Cheeses: Switching up cheeses can change the flavor profile dramatically. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or a sharper cheddar for more depth!
Make it Ahead: This recipe stores well, so consider making it in advance. Reheat gently and add a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess—ideal for meal prep!

How to Serve High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Presentation matters, and serving this dish can be just as delightful as cooking it. Here are some ways to make it visually appealing and deliciously satisfying!

Garnishes

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that brightens up the creamy dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving gives an inviting pop of color and spice.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crunchy garlic bread complements the creamy mac & cheese perfectly and is perfect for scooping up every last bite.
Steamed Broccoli: A light side that balances out the richness of the mac. The bright green color adds appeal while providing essential nutrients.
Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned simply, roasted asparagus offers a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
Simple Garden Salad: Toss together mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing side salad. The crisp veggies provide a nice texture contrast while cleansing your palate between bites of mac & cheese.

Enjoy your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese! It’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a fantastic choice for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge or freezer, which means you can enjoy this delicious dish whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Allow the mac & cheese to cool completely before freezing.
Portion into individual servings or one large container.
Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Add a splash of water or reserved pasta water if it seems dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use turkey instead of beef in High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides plenty of protein while keeping the dish light and flavorful.

What pasta works best for High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese?

Whole wheat or chickpea pasta are excellent choices as they boost protein content without sacrificing taste or texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily substitute the ground beef with cooked chickpeas or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that still packs a protein punch!

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

How long does High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese last in the fridge?

When stored properly, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll enjoy making this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese as much as I do! It’s not just easy and quick; it’s also packed with flavors that will remind you of your favorite comfort foods while keeping your nutrition goals intact. So gather your ingredients, whip up this cozy dish, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese! This one-skillet wonder combines juicy lean beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious cheese sauce with tender macaroni, all coming together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings without compromising your nutritional goals. With its cheesy goodness and protein-packed ingredients, it’s a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
20g butter (or olive oil)
1 tbsp minced garlic
100g chopped white onion
75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)
Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese)
125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente; reserve 125ml of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for about 4-5 minutes.
Add ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) and cook for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Reduce heat to low; stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until melted.
Toss in cooked pasta along with reserved pasta water; mix until creamy and well-coated.