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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

A delicious and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheesesteak with creamy mac and cheese, packed with protein and fully customizable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Protein Ingredients
  • 800 g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas.
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 100 g chopped white onion
  • 75 g red bell pepper Use a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers.
  • 75 g green bell pepper
  • 75 g yellow bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
Pasta Ingredients
  • 240 g dry macaroni Whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost.
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients
  • 140 g light cream cheese
  • 50 g shredded mozzarella
  • 3-4 slices light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
Cooking Ingredients
  • 20 g butter (or olive oil) Use olive oil for a healthier option.
  • 125 ml reserved pasta water To help adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Paprika to taste
  • Chili flakes to taste
Garnish

Method
 

Pasta Preparation
  1. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook until it’s al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Vegetable Sauté
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened but still vibrant.
Beef Addition
  1. Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Drain any excess fat.
Creamy Mixture
  1. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Mix until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
Combine Pasta
  1. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency with more reserved water if necessary.

Notes

For added variety, you can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber or mix various veggies to customize the dish. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container.