High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with lean ground beef and melted cheeses, it offers a satisfying blend of creamy texture and savory flavors. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 800g lean ground beef (or turkey or chickpeas)
• 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 red bell pepper, chopped
• 75g green bell pepper, chopped
• 75g yellow bell pepper, chopped
• Salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 125ml of the pasta water for later use.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until well browned. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until they melt completely and blend into the sauce.
5. Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until the pasta is coated evenly and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea macaroni to add extra fiber and protein to the dish.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Feel free to mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water is important as it helps to loosen the cheese sauce and bind it to the pasta, creating a smooth and creamy texture without thinning it too much.

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining lean ground beef with colorful bell peppers and creamy cheeses for a rich, satisfying dish packed with protein. Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition, making it a balanced meal perfect for any day of the week.

• Author: Elena
• 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 1x2x3x

Protein and Pasta

• 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
• 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended)

Cheeses and Dairy

• 140g light cream cheese
• 50g shredded mozzarella
• 20g butter (or olive oil)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 100g chopped white onion
• 75g red bell pepper, chopped
• 75g green bell pepper, chopped
• 75g yellow bell pepper, chopped

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped white onion, and chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Cook the protein: Add the ground beef (or chosen substitute like turkey or chickpeas) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Season and melt cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and any additional cheese slices until completely melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni back into the skillet with the creamy beef and vegetable sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Notes

• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Adjust seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences, especially with paprika and chili flakes for heat.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add more pasta water to loosen it.
• For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives.

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy pasta, beef pasta skillet, healthy comfort food