Description
This nutrient-dense Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is the ultimate muscle-building comfort food. By combining lean ground beef, crisp bell peppers, and high-protein pasta, this dish provides 32g of protein per serving. It is a satisfying, well-balanced meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those balancing high-performance fitness goals with a busy schedule.
Ingredients
8 ounces dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta)
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 cup white onion, finely chopped
2 cups bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 slices light American cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until al dente; reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and brown until completely cooked through.
Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to season the meat and vegetable mixture.
Reduce heat to low and incorporate the light cream cheese, mozzarella, and American cheese slices, stirring until melted into a smooth sauce.
Pour in the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: High Protein Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American