Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss combines the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Made with lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with three layers: the base layer has creamy, pale yellow macaroni pasta with a smooth, soft texture. On top of it is a layer of browned, crumbly ground meat mixed with small pieces of bright yellow and red bell peppers, adding a fresh color contrast. The top layer is melted white cheese, slightly browned with a gooey and stretchy texture, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and black pepper flakes. The bowl is white, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used)
1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Can be swapped with ground turkey or chickpeas)
1 cup Chopped White Onion (Yellow onion works well as a substitute)
2 cloves Minced Garlic (Use freshly minced for maximum flavor)
2 cups Bell Peppers (Red, Green & Yellow) (Use any mix based on preference)
2 tablespoons Butter (Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative)
8 oz Light Cream Cheese (Regular cream cheese can be used for a richer sauce)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (Any favorite melting cheese can substitute)
4 slices Light Cheese Slices (Any good melting cheese slice will do)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Adjust to taste)
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve approximately 125ml of the pasta water before draining the macaroni.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and translucent.
Step 3: Crumble in the lean ground beef, stirring it into the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix well until all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust sauce thickness with a little more pasta water if needed.

Tips & Variations

Try using ground turkey or chickpeas as a leaner or vegetarian-friendly protein alternative.
For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter fat option without compromising taste.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single-layer dish in a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta that is pale yellow with a smooth and slightly glossy texture. Mixed evenly throughout the pasta are small chunks of browned ground beef, adding a coarse and crumbly texture with a dark brown color. Scattered pieces of red and yellow bell peppers bring bright pops of color, with their smooth surfaces contrasting against the pasta and beef. The dish is topped with melted cheese that looks creamy and slightly bubbly, blending with the other ingredients. Small green parsley leaves are placed as garnish on top, adding a fresh touch. The whole dish is slightly speckled with black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and substitute it with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Adding extra cream cheese or a splash of milk while melting the cheese will enhance creaminess. Using freshly reserved pasta water also helps achieve a smooth, rich sauce.