High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the comforting flavors of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese! This delightful dish combines tender ground beef with colorful bell peppers, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with protein yet deliciously cheesy, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that feels like a cheat without compromising your health goals. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to make it your own!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- 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
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices
- 240g dry macaroni
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente; reserve 125ml pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Lower heat and stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Mix in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water until well combined; adjust consistency as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg