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