High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, a dish that brings together tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich cheese in a satisfying pasta bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—but also packs a protein punch to keep you fueled. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy all the cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese while staying on track with your nutrition goals. Once you try this delightful dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- 240g dry macaroni
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic, onion, and bell peppers for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce and reserved pasta water until well coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 615mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg