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A close-up of a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese loaded with slices of tender, sautéed beef and vibrant green herbs, served in a rustic bowl with a golden crust on top, garnished with fresh herbs and sprinkled with grated cheese, with steam gently rising from the dish

High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese | 40g Protein!


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: High-Protein,Lean,Healthy

Description

High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a flavorful, protein-packed, and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Combining lean ground meat, whole grain pasta, and a cheesy sauce, this dish is ideal for muscle gain, fitness enthusiasts, and quick healthy meals. Boost your protein intake while enjoying the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or turkey
  • 8 oz (225g) whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added protein
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt for creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta, cook until al dente, and drain. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the almond milk or Greek yogurt with shredded cheese. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Mix the cooked pasta with the sautéed beef, peppers, and onions. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like chopped scallions or hot sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat using a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle with fresh herbs or toasted nuts.
  • You can customize with additional vegetables or different cheese varieties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 460 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg