High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the comforting flavors of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can create a creamy pasta delight that combines juicy beef (or turkey/chickpeas), colorful bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce—all cooked in one skillet. This hearty meal not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a protein punch to keep you energized throughout the day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.
- 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 ground 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 fave melting cheese)
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta = protein boost)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Crumble in the beef (or turkey/chickpeas). Cook for 5–7 minutes while breaking it up; drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheese slices until melted into a silky sauce.
- Add cooked pasta along with reserved pasta water. Stir until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness; adjust sauce thickness as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 60mg