High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal that combines melty cheese, tender steak, and creamy pasta in one easy dish. This recipe boasts rich, cheesy sauce with a satisfying protein boost, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s quick to prepare and uses common pantry staples. Pair it with my One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast for a Philly-themed feast!
Why You'll Love High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Enjoy this easy High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese. Perfect weeknight comfort food packed with flavor and protein in just 40 minutes.
- High in protein to keep you full and energized.
- Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying texture that feels indulgent.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients and pantry staples.
- Perfect for family dinners and meal prep leftovers.
Ingredients for High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Lean sirloin steak: Best for tenderness and flavor; substitute with ground beef or sliced chicken breast if preferred.Low-fat milk: Use whole milk for creamier texture, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free option (increase cream cheese slightly).
- Lean sirloin steak: Best for tenderness and flavor; substitute with ground beef or sliced chicken breast if preferred.
- Low-fat milk: Use whole milk for creamier texture, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free option (increase cream cheese slightly).
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté the steak and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk flour into a mix of milk and beef broth over medium heat. Stir continuously until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, provolone, cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Expert Tips for High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe
- Thinly slice steak against the grain for tenderness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture.
- For extra crisp topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and broil for 2 minutes before serving.
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Enjoy this easy High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese. Perfect weeknight comfort food packed with flavor and protein in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted breadcrumbs
Instructions
How to Make High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
- Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the steak and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk flour into a mix of milk and beef broth over medium heat. Stir continuously until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, provolone, cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine all: Return steak to the veggie skillet, pour the cheese sauce over, then add the cooked macaroni. Stir well to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese - Easy Comfort Food Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a bit of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
You can use ground beef, chicken breast, or even thinly sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Dryness is often due to overcooking or too little sauce; add milk while reheating. Sogginess can result from too much liquid or overcooked pasta; cook pasta al dente and measure liquids carefully.
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Before You Go
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