Craving a delicious and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese? Look no further than our High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese! This hearty dish combines the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting creaminess of macaroni and cheese, all while packing an extra nutritional punch. Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying and guilt-free comfort food experience.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
- 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 (or any mix!)
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for protein boost)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the macaroni according to the package directions. Remember to reserve 125ml of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant.
Cook the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned.
Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine with the Pasta
Add the drained macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheesesteak sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, garnish your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese with fresh parsley and get ready to indulge in a protein-packed, comfort food masterpiece!

Variations and Substitutions
For a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, swap the ground beef for cooked chickpeas or sautéed portobello mushrooms. To make it gluten-free, use chickpea or lentil-based pasta instead of traditional macaroni. And feel free to experiment with different types of melting cheese, such as provolone, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Compared to a traditional mac and cheese recipe, this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese packs a serious nutritional punch. The lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) provides a significant amount of protein, while the whole wheat or chickpea pasta offers additional fiber and complex carbohydrates. The creamy cheese sauce still delivers that comforting flavor, but with a healthier profile. This dish is a great way to satisfy your cravings while staying on track with your dietary goals.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Mac
- BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter
- Creamy BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Loaded Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
FAQ About High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
How much protein is usually in a Philly cheesesteak?
A traditional Philly cheesesteak can contain around 30-40 grams of protein, primarily from the beef. This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese recipe aims to boost the protein even further by using lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) and whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
What is the secret to a great Philly cheesesteak?
The key to a delicious Philly cheesesteak is in the balance of flavors and textures. The tender, thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers work in perfect harmony. In this recipe, we’ve captured those iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors and merged them with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese.
How do I add protein to my mac and cheese?
There are several ways to boost the protein in your mac and cheese, including using lean ground meat, chickpeas, or even cooked chicken. In this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese recipe, we’ve incorporated lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) and whole wheat or chickpea pasta to significantly increase the protein content.
What’s the best cheese to use on a Philly cheese steak sandwich?
The classic cheese for a Philly cheesesteak is undoubtedly provolone. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor and melty texture pair perfectly with the tender beef and caramelized onions. In this recipe, we’ve used a combination of provolone-style cheese slices, along with mozzarella, to create the ultimate creamy cheesesteak-inspired mac and cheese.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese. Packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves a good mac and cheese or a classic Philly cheesesteak. Enjoy!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Indulge in High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Today!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Craving a delicious and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese? Look no further than our High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese! This hearty dish combines the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting creaminess of macaroni and cheese, all while packing an extra nutritional punch. Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying and guilt-free comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup each red, green & yellow bell peppers
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes to taste
- 5 ounce light cream cheese
- 1 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 slices light cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 8 1/2 ounce dry macaroni
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the macaroni according to the package directions. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant.
3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned.
4. Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Add the drained macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheesesteak sauce.
6. Finally, garnish your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese with fresh parsley and get ready to indulge in a protein-packed, comfort food masterpiece!
Notes
For a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, swap the ground beef for cooked chickpeas or sautéed portobello mushrooms. To make it gluten-free, use chickpea or lentil-based pasta instead of traditional macaroni. Feel free to experiment with different types of melting cheese, such as provolone, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg