why make this recipe
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss is a delightful and hearty meal perfect for anyone who loves creamy pasta with a twist. It’s packed with protein and is a fun twist on the classic mac and cheese. You get the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak while enjoying the comfort of mac and cheese. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering!
how to make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
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)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella until creamy and well combined.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Top the mixture with the cheese slices. Cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
how to serve High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
This dish is best served warm straight from the stove. You can serve it in bowls topped with extra parsley or chili flakes, depending on your taste. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
tips to make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
- For extra flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- If you want it spicier, add more chili flakes or even diced jalapeños.
- You can use any type of ground meat or even a meat substitute based on your preference.
variation
You can switch the lean ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based proteins for a different flavor and nutritional profile. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to change the taste and richness of the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular macaroni.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can easily be reheated for quick lunches or dinners.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor!
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
Ingredients
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used
- 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
Meat & 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
Spices & Condiments
- 2 tablespoons Butter Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative
- 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
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a pot of water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Meat
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Adding Vegetables
- Stir in the bell peppers, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella until creamy and well combined.
Combining
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Melting the Cheese
- Top the mixture with the cheese slices. Cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
