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Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

A comforting twist on classic mac & cheese, this Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a blend of creamy cheeses for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)

Dairy & Fats

  • 20g butter (or olive oil)
  • 140g light cream cheese
  • 50g shredded mozzarella
  • 3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 100g chopped white onion
  • 75g red bell pepper
  • 75g green bell pepper
  • 75g yellow bell pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Other

  • 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for protein boost)
  • 125ml reserved pasta water
  • Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped white onion, and all three bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
  3. Add Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
  4. Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and form a smooth, silky sauce coating the beef and veggies.
  5. Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the thickness by adding more pasta water if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber for a healthier meal.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to preserve its firm texture when combined with the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and color; substitute with fresh basil if preferred.
  • Feel free to experiment with different melting cheeses like provolone or gouda for varied flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/creamy-philly-cheesesteak-mac-and-cheese-recipe/