Description
A delicious blend of creamy mac and cheese and Philly cheesesteak, packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped White Onion
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Bell Peppers (Red, Green & Yellow)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 8 oz Light Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 4 slices Light Cheese Slices
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil salted water and add the dry macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned.
- Toss in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the light cream cheese and shredded mozzarella into the beef mixture. Allow it to melt and create a cream-like sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Adjust to your taste.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and meat mixture until well coated.
- If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional cheese slices, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheesesteak, high-protein dinner, family meal, comfort food