Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss combines the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. It’s a hearty, protein-packed dish that is perfect for satisfying cravings any night of the week.

A close-up view of a creamy macaroni dish in a black bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main visual layers: the base layer is pale yellow elbow macaroni with a soft, smooth texture, mixed evenly throughout; the middle layer consists of browned ground beef with a crumbly texture, scattered over the pasta; the top layer includes small, bright chunks of red and yellow bell peppers, adding vibrant color, along with specks of black pepper and green parsley leaves for garnish. The cheese sauce coats the pasta and beef, giving a glossy, creamy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used)
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)
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)
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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve approximately 125ml of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
Step 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 the vegetables are tender and translucent.
Step 3: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, crumbling it as you stir into the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it browns. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Cook and stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet, mixing well until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your high-protein Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese bliss!

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or mashed chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian version without losing protein content.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Swap out the light cream cheese for full-fat cream cheese if you prefer a richer sauce.
For a lower calorie option, substitute butter with olive oil and use reduced-fat cheese varieties.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese layered with small pieces of cooked ground beef scattered throughout. Yellow and red bell pepper chunks add bright color on top, along with a few green parsley leaves for garnish. The cheese sauce looks smooth and melted, coating the macaroni shells evenly. Small cracks of black pepper are sprinkled on the surface. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like penne or rotini. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta are great options for added protein and fiber.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. Olive oil can replace butter. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.