If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a serious boost of protein, look no further! High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines the melty goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—and manages to be both hearty and nourishing. Expect forkfuls of tender lean beef (or a plant-based swap), colorful sautéed peppers, and a velvety cheese sauce, all wrapped around pasta that clings to every bit of that luscious, creamy blend. This is the skillet you’ll want at the center of your table, whether you’re meal prepping or gathering with friends for a cozy night in.

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether adding protein, unbeatable flavor, or that signature gooey finish. Don’t skimp—every element makes this dish a total knockout!

800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas): Choose your favorite high-protein option for richness and tender bites.

20g butter (or olive oil): Adds foundational flavor and helps sauté your veggies to golden perfection.
1 tbsp minced garlic: Gives the dish a fragrant, savory kick that’s classic Philly.

100g chopped white onion: Sweetens and deepens the overall flavor of the sauce.
75g each red, green, & yellow bell peppers: Bright pops of color and sweet crunch weave through every forkful. Mix and match your favorites!

Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—adjust to your spice preference.
140g light cream cheese: The secret ingredient for a rich and creamy sauce without extra heaviness.
50g shredded mozzarella: Brings the irresistible cheese pull and stretchy texture we all love.

3–4 light cheese slices (or your fave melting cheese): Adds ultra-melting, Philly-inspired layers to the sauce.
125ml reserved pasta water: Use this magic liquid to help the sauce cling to every noodle.
240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost): Creates the perfect base and soaks up all that sauce beautifully.

Fresh parsley for garnish: A shower of vibrant green just before serving brightens every bowl.

How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Start by getting your macaroni going in a pot of well-salted, boiling water. Cook it until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite (it’ll keep soaking up sauce later). Just before draining, make sure to scoop out 125ml of that starchy pasta water; it’s your key to a silky, glossy cheese sauce. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Grab your largest skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic first, letting it sizzle for a moment, then scatter in the chopped onions and your colorful mix of bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until everything is softened and the kitchen smells irresistible. The veggies form the veggie-laden soul of your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Crumble your lean ground beef straight into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned (and drain off excess fat if you want it lighter). Sprinkle in salt, pepper, a hint of paprika, and chili flakes—taste and adjust until you love it! This is where those bold Philly cheesesteak flavors begin to shine.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low—now it’s time for the real magic. Stir in the light cream cheese until it starts melting into the beef. Follow with the shredded mozzarella and slices of your favorite melting cheese. Watch as it transforms into a silky, luscious cheese sauce, clinging to the hearty beef and veggies, making the whole skillet properly indulgent and satisfying.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your cooked macaroni directly into the pan, along with that reserved pasta water. Stir patiently, making sure every noodle is enveloped in cheesy goodness, and feel free to adjust the sauce’s thickness with a bit more pasta water or cheese. Taste, tweak, and get excited—your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is ready to wow!

How to Serve High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

Before you dig in, sprinkle a flurry of fresh parsley over the top. Not only does it offer an eye-catching pop of green, but it also brightens up each bite with herbal freshness. If you like a little heat or smokiness, consider a final twist of cracked black pepper or even a teeny pinch of chili flakes on each serving for extra appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this iconic skillet with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrette, or maybe add some roasted broccoli on the side for a balance of textures. A crusty baguette or a piece of garlic toast is pure heaven for scooping up any extra creamy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want something to wipe your plate clean!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving up High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese for a crowd, consider ladling it into individual ramekins, topping with a bit more cheese, and popping under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish. Or pile a generous scoop on toasted hoagie buns for a Philly-inspired sandwich-mac hybrid. It’s totally crowd-pleasing and makes dinner feel special any night of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious! A quick stir with a splash of milk or extra pasta water brings back the saucy goodness.

Freezing

If you want to keep portions handy for busy weeks, cool the dish completely before freezing in individual containers. It’ll stay lovely for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon or two of milk—this helps restore that creamy texture. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for that just-made freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While classic macaroni is perfect for soaking up the cheese sauce, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any short, sturdy pasta. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta are excellent choices to boost the protein content even further.

What’s the best substitute for ground beef?

Lean ground turkey works brilliantly and keeps the dish extra light. For a vegetarian take, mashed chickpeas or your favorite plant-based crumble add hearty texture and blend seamlessly with the classic Philly flavors.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

If you crave an ultra-decadent finish, add a splash more reserved pasta water or an extra ounce of light cream cheese while stirring everything together at the end. Just keep it on low heat so your cheese sauce stays smooth and dreamy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your preferred gluten-free macaroni and check that all your cheese and seasoning additions are certified gluten-free. The result is just as rich and satisfying as the original.

Is High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a total meal-prep superstar! You can make the full recipe on Sunday, portion it out for grab-and-go lunches, and look forward to creamy, filling comfort food all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself or feed a hungry crowd, High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is your ticket to comfort food bliss—without the fuss. Grab your skillet, embrace the cheesiness, and enjoy every last creamy, colorful, flavor-packed bite. You’re going to love it!

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting plate of High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese that combines the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. This hearty dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a rich and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 125ml pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onion & peppers for 4–5 mins until softened.

Add Beef: Crumble in beef. Cook 5–7 mins, breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes.
Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella & cheese slices. Melt into a silky sauce.
Bring it Together: Add cooked pasta & reserved pasta water. Stir until every noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Adjust sauce thickness as needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 670mg

Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: High-Protein, Creamy, Philly Cheesesteak, Mac & Cheese, Comfort Food

High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need