Dinner

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

ByVictor Layne November 8, 2025November 8, 2025

Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the comfort of classic mac and cheese with the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Packed with lean beef and colorful bell peppers, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked beef and slices of red bell pepper. The top layer of the dish is covered with melted cheese that is golden brown in some spots and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. The macaroni has a soft, curved shape, and the beef pieces are distributed evenly throughout the dish. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
20g butter (or olive oil)
1 tbsp minced garlic
100g chopped white onion
75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)
Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
140g light cream cheese
50g shredded mozzarella
3–4 light cheese slices (or your favourite melting cheese)
125ml reserved pasta water
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Let the cheeses melt into a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well until every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese mixture. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground turkey or chickpeas instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Try different cheese varieties like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when cooking the beef enhances the authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and protein for a healthier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta layered with browned ground beef and sliced red bell peppers. The macaroni is coated with melted cheese, giving it a golden, slightly crispy top layer. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding a freshness contrast. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing the warm, rich texture of the pasta and beef mixture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or mascarpone as alternatives, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, try a cashew cream.

Victor Layne