Who knew mac and cheese could get this gourmet?
Imagine a creamy, cheesy dish that brings together the heartiness of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting textures of mac and cheese—all in one pot! This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese takes your usual pasta night to the next level, making it quick, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Get ready for a meal that’s not just tasty but also packed with protein, perfect for fueling your next adventure (or just binge-watching your favorite show).
Why make this recipe
You’ll love making this dish for so many reasons! First up, easy cleanup—who wants to deal with a ton of dirty dishes anyway? This recipe is all about one-pan cooking; just focus on the flavor, not the cleanup. Plus, it’s totally family-friendly! Even picky eaters will dive into this creamy goodness. Need I say more? 😄
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas for a vegetarian twist)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g each of red, green, & yellow bell peppers
- 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
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Ready to dive in? Follow these steps:
Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, & peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add Beef: Crumble in your chosen protein. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, & chili flakes.
Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, & cheese slices. Let the magic happen as everything melds into a silky sauce.
Bring it Together: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir until every noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Adjust sauce thickness to your liking.
How to make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese (Overview)
Alright, let’s break it down, shall we? First, cook that macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. Next, in your skillet, sauté your veggies until they’re sweet and soft. Add in your protein and let it brown. Once that’s done, mix in the cream cheese and your favorite melty cheese for that gooey goodness. Finally, toss in your pasta and reserved water, and watch it all come together like magic! Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference!
How to serve High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Serve this dish hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a splash of color! Pair it with a crisp salad for some crunch, or dive right in with some garlic bread on the side. You’ll enjoy the rich aroma of melted cheese and savory beef mingling in the air—trust me, your guests will come running to the table! 🍽️
How to store High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
This creamy delight keeps well! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Need to make it ahead of time? Just make the dish but don’t bake it. When you’re ready to enjoy, warm it on the stovetop, adding in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to keep it saucy and delicious.
Tips to make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
- Get Creative with Cheese: Try different melting cheeses like gouda or double the mozzarella for a gooey treat.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the chili flakes to manage the heat or toss in a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Skip the Meat: Make it a vegan dish by swapping beef for chickpeas and using plant-based cheese and cream.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of veggies to complete your dinner plate!
Variation
Ready to change it up? Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or toss in some broccoli for a veggie boost. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some jalapeños for an added zest!
FAQs
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare it until the final step, chill it, and warm it when you’re ready to eat.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily swap it for turkey, chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
How do I freeze leftovers?
Portion your mac and cheese into airtight containers and freeze. It should stay good for up to 3 months!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, & peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Crumble in your chosen protein. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, & chili flakes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, & cheese slices. Let the magic happen as everything melds into a silky sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir until every noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Adjust sauce thickness to your liking.