High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Satisfy your cravings with this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, a delightful fusion of comfort and nutrition that comes together in just 30 minutes. This hearty dish features lean ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a family favorite that makes weeknight dinners feel special. With its quick preparation and customizable options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your pantry staples or personal preferences. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- 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
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices
- 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 skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell peppers; sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Crumble in lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas) and cook for 5–7 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices on low heat until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved water to the skillet; mix well until noodles are coated in sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 300g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg