High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
A delightful and hearty meal that combines creamy mac and cheese with the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, perfect for quick dinner or gatherings.
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.
Notes
This dish is best served warm with options to top with extra parsley or chili flakes. Pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For extra flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. Adjust spice levels with more chili flakes or jalapeños. Can switch lean ground beef for turkey or plant proteins.