Description
Indulge in a warm bowl of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, a delightful fusion of flavors that marries the classic cheesesteak with creamy pasta. This comforting dish features tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce enveloping hearty macaroni. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With its protein-packed ingredients and customizable options, this recipe satisfies those cheesy cravings while keeping nutrition in check.
Ingredients
Scale
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 225g mixed bell peppers (red, green & yellow)
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 slices of melting cheese
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente; reserve 125ml pasta water before draining.
- Sauté veggies: In a skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil; add garlic, onion, and bell peppers; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add beef: Crumble in lean ground beef (or chosen protein); cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until melted into a smooth sauce.
- Bring it together: Add cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water; mix until well combined; adjust thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg