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High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Juicy beef, sweet peppers, and velvety cheese sauce come together with pasta in one skillet. Ready in 30 minutes with 40-45g protein per serving - weeknight comfort food that fuels you.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 800 g lean ground beef 90/10 or leaner, or substitute turkey/chicken/chickpeas
  • 240 g dry macaroni whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra protein
  • 20 g butter or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 100 g white onion chopped
  • 75 g red bell pepper chopped
  • 75 g green bell pepper chopped
  • 75 g yellow bell pepper chopped (or use any mix of peppers)
  • salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste
  • 140 g light cream cheese
  • 50 g shredded mozzarella
  • 3-4 slices light cheese slices or your favorite melting cheese, torn
  • 125 ml reserved pasta water
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot for cooking pasta
  • Wooden spoon
  • Strainer
  • Mug for reserving pasta water

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 125ml (about 1/2 cup) of pasta water in a mug, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Saute for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned throughout. If excess fat accumulates, drain it off. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and torn cheese slices to the skillet. Stir gently until cheeses melt completely into a smooth, silky sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well until every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your preferred consistency, or let simmer 1 minute if sauce is too thin.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately in bowls.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use lean beef (90/10 or leaner) to minimize grease. Never skip reserving pasta water - the starch helps create that perfect creamy sauce. Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent graininess. For meal prep, portion into containers while hot and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.