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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

A high-protein, creamy Philly cheesesteak-inspired mac & cheese recipe combining lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of cheeses for a deliciously rich yet balanced meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used)

Protein & Vegetables

  • 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)

Dairy & Fats

  • 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)

Seasonings & Garnish

  • 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

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve approximately 125ml (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and translucent, releasing their flavors.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Crumble in the lean ground beef, stirring it into the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns evenly. Drain any excess fat and season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
  4. Create Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir continuously until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until all the pasta is coated in the creamy cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.

Notes

  • For a healthier alternative, use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Swap lean ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for different protein options.
  • Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and nutritional benefits.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh garnish.

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, high-protein mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, lean ground beef recipe, easy stovetop mac and cheese

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