High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss Recipe
Enjoy a delicious and protein-packed twist on a classic comfort food with this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss. Combining lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce with whole wheat macaroni, this recipe offers a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing 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 it to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Sauté Vegetables: 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, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef, stirring it into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it browns evenly. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes for a flavorful base.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue stirring until all the cheese melts completely and forms a rich, creamy sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Whole wheat or chickpea macaroni adds extra protein and fiber.
- Ground turkey or chickpeas can be used as a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity depending on your heat preference.
- Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce’s creaminess without thinning the flavor.
- Using light cream cheese keeps the dish lower in fat, but you can opt for regular cream cheese for a richer texture.
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high protein, creamy, comfort food, ground beef, bell peppers, whole wheat pasta, stovetop recipe
