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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 6 reviews

A delicious and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy Philly cheesesteak-inspired cheese sauce made with light cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that delivers flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat

  • 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)

Dairy and Cheese

  • 20g butter (or olive oil)
  • 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 each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)

Pantry and Seasonings

  • Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
  • 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended for protein boost)

Other

  • 125ml reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture, tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta completely.
  2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped white onions, and colorful bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and released their aromas.
  3. Add Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
  4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and light cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt slowly into a smooth, silky sauce, stirring frequently to combine the flavors evenly.
  5. Bring it Together: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir well until every noodle is coated with the luscious creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed to achieve your preferred consistency.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with chickpeas or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta not only boosts protein content but also adds fiber.
  • Adjust the level of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness when garnishing.
  • Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce greasiness.
  • Feel free to swap mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high-protein mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, beef mac and cheese, easy weeknight dinner

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