Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
A creamy and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring lean ground beef and melty cheeses for a comfort food win.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.75 lbs lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)
- 1.5 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 cup chopped white onion
- 3/4 cup mixed bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Paprika and chili flakes, to taste (optional)
- 5 oz light cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3–4 light cheese slices (American or provolone), torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 8.5 oz dry macaroni (whole wheat or high-protein)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat butter (or oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped onion and diced bell peppers, and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Increase heat slightly and crumble the ground beef into the skillet. Let it sit without stirring for 3–4 minutes to develop browning, then break it up and continue cooking another 2–3 minutes until no pink remains.
- Season the meat and vegetables with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes if using.
- Reduce heat to low. Add room-temperature cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and torn cheese slices. Stir until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet, folding everything together for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an easier meal prep, cook components separately and assemble before serving. Use high-protein pasta for extra nutrition.