Ever craved a comforting, cheesy dish that wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out? Imagine the delicious marriage of creamy mac and cheese with a zesty Philly cheesesteak twist. Welcome to your new favorite one-pan dish that’s not only quick to whip up but will also leave everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dive into this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese? Here are a couple of enticing reasons:
- Easy cleanup: One pan to rule them all! Less time scrubbing means more time eating.
- Family-friendly: Whether you’ve got picky eaters or culinary adventurers, this dish brings everyone together with its cheesy goodness.
- Protein-packed: With lean ground beef (or a meatless option), you’ll stay fueled and satisfied. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good reason to indulge in mac and cheese?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas for a meatless twist)
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
Directions
Let’s bring this mac magic to life with these easy steps:
- Cook the macaroni: Boil in salted water until al dente, and don’t forget to reserve 125ml of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers for about 4–5 minutes until they soften up.
- Brown the meat: Add in the ground beef (or your chosen protein) and cook for 5–7 minutes until it’s a nice golden brown. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if needed!
- Season it up: Toss in salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste. Seriously, flavor it up!
- Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until everything melts into a creamy dream.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring until everything is evenly coated in creamy cheesiness.
- Serve hot: Pair it with your favorite herbs or extra cheese for an Instagram-worthy finish!
How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese (Overview)
Making this scrumptious dish is as simple as 1-2-3! Start by cooking the macaroni to perfection. While that bubbles away, get your skillet sizzling with all those fantastic veggies and protein. Once it’s golden, mix in all that glorious cheese. Finally, combine it all with the pasta, and voila! Your creamy, cheesy masterpiece awaits.
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! 😉
How to Serve High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
When serving this colorful dish, think creativity! Present it in a deep bowl to really showcase those vibrant veggies peeking through the cheese. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green. The aroma will waft through your kitchen, making dinner feel like a gourmet meal at home.
How to Store High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Got leftovers? No worries! This dish stays good in the fridge for about 4 days. Just pop it in an airtight container. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for round two, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Tips to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your mac and cheese game:
- Timing is everything: Keep an eye on your veggies; overcooking them can make them mushy.
- Cheese swaps: Feel free to mix cheese varieties — sharp cheddar or gouda could add an extra kick.
- Boost the health factor: Adding in some spinach or kale will increase the nutritional value without compromising taste.
- Adjust the spice: Don’t be afraid to make it as spicy as you like. Toss in extra chili flakes for a fiery kick! 🔥
Variation
Want to mix things up? Try using vegan cream cheese and chickpeas for a plant-based version of this cozy dish. Or, swap the bell peppers for zucchini for a completely different flavor profile!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and just reheat when you’re ready to eat.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute with ground turkey or even go meatless with chickpeas — both work beautifully!
3. How do I reheat the leftovers?
Microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, reserving 125ml of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers for about 4–5 minutes until they soften.
- Add in the ground beef (or your chosen protein) and cook for 5–7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until everything melts.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with herbs or extra cheese.