Description

A deliciously creamy and high-protein twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak combined with comforting mac & cheese. This recipe features lean ground beef, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a luscious blend of cheeses that coat perfectly cooked macaroni for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Consider turkey or chickpeas for a lighter option.)
1 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be a healthier alternative.)
8 oz Light Cream Cheese (Light ricotta can be a great substitute.)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella (Alternatives include provolone or fontina.)
4 slices Light Cheese Slices (Use your favorite melting cheese if desired.)

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh or jarred garlic works well.)
1 cup Chopped White Onion (Shallots can substitute.)
1 cup Bell Peppers (Mix colors for visual appeal or use any available variety.)

Pasta & Seasonings

8 oz Dry Macaroni (Whole Wheat or Chickpea can enhance protein content.)
1 tbsp Salt
1 tbsp Pepper
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Chili Flakes
125 ml Reserved Pasta Water (Helps create a silky sauce.)

Garnish

Fresh Parsley (Optional for serving.)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add dry macaroni. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 7–9 minutes, then reserve 125 ml of the pasta water. Drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool slightly.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, add minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Cook the Ground Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet, stirring well. Cook for 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and any moisture has evaporated. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low, add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt together, creating a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the mac & cheese in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and consider pairing with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

For a lighter alternative, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
Whole wheat or chickpea macaroni options increase the nutritional profile and protein content.
Adjust chili flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
Reserve pasta water helps achieve a silky smooth cheese sauce consistency.
Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a hint of freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high-protein, creamy, skillet meal, ground beef, comfort food