Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
A deliciously creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese that combines sautéed peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of cheeses tossed with al dente macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Protein
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g red bell pepper
- 75g green bell pepper
- 75g yellow bell pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Dairy
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
Pantry
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for protein boost)
- 125ml reserved pasta water
- Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add Beef: Crumble in ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt gently into a silky sauce.
- Bring it Together: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until every noodle is coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Adjust sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chickpeas as a leaner or vegetarian alternative to beef.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein compared to regular pasta.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference by varying the amount of paprika and chili flakes.
- For a richer sauce, add extra cheese slices or a splash of milk or cream.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.
