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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is an indulgent yet nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese. Featuring lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a trio of melty cheeses, it combines savory Philly cheesesteak flavors with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, it’s packed with protein and balanced with vegetables, making it a delightful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Cheese

  • 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
  • 140g light cream cheese
  • 50g shredded mozzarella
  • 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 100g chopped white onion
  • 75g red bell pepper
  • 75g green bell pepper
  • 75g yellow bell pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Other Ingredients

  • 20g butter (or olive oil)
  • Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
  • 125ml reserved pasta water
  • 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Reserve 125ml of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
  4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt slowly, stirring frequently to create a smooth, silky sauce.
  5. Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the beef and cheese mixture. Stir well until every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more pasta water as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chickpeas for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta boosts the protein and fiber content.
  • Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
  • For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella and cheese slices.
  • Make sure to reserve pasta water as it helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, ground beef pasta, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/high-protein-creamy-philly-cheesesteak-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/