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High-protein creamy philly cheesesteak mac and cheese in black skillet with melted cheese sauce

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Comfort food mac and cheese loaded with Philly cheesesteak flavors and 40-45 grams of protein per serving. Ready in 30 minutes in one skillet!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 lbs lean ground beef 93/7 lean recommended
  • 1.5 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 0.67 cup chopped white onion
  • 0.75 cup mixed bell peppers red, green, yellow
  • Salt, black pepper, paprika, chili flakes to taste
  • 5 oz light cream cheese room temperature
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3-4 light cheese slices American or provolone
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
  • 8.5 oz dry macaroni whole wheat or protein pasta recommended
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions turn translucent.
  3. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring initially to get good browning, then break apart and continue cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
  4. Reduce heat to low to prevent cheese from becoming grainy. Stir in room temperature cream cheese, mozzarella, and torn cheese slices. Stir slowly and constantly until everything melts into a smooth, silky sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Gently fold everything together for 1-2 minutes until every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Add more pasta water gradually if the sauce seems too thick.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent graininess. Tear cheese slices for faster, smoother melting. Reserve pasta water - its starch creates the perfect sauce consistency. Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat with splash of milk.