Description
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines lean ground beef with a medley of sautéed bell peppers and creamy cheeses, all tossed with perfectly cooked macaroni. A perfect comfort meal that packs protein and flavor in every bite, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended)
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 each red, green & yellow bell peppers
Seasonings
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Chili flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 125ml of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Protein: Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up and stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned. Drain any excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese and shredded mozzarella along with any cheese slices you might add. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and evenly coat the pasta. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is fully covered with the creamy Philly cheesesteak sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for different protein options.
- Whole wheat or chickpea pasta increases fiber and protein content.
- Adjust seasoning according to your spice preference, especially the chili flakes for heat.
- Reserved pasta water helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a small amount of milk or cream along with the cheeses.
