Description
A cozy, creamy, and protein-packed mac and cheese inspired by Philly cheesesteak flavors, perfect for an easy and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (113g) shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep (5 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Dice onion and green bell pepper, mince garlic, and prep cheeses.
- Cook the Pasta (8 minutes): Add elbow macaroni to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté the Veggies (5 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cook until softened and starting to caramelize, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef (5-7 minutes): Push veggies to the side, add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking up with spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make the Creamy Sauce (3 minutes): Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and milk, stir until cream cheese melts into smooth sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Add the Cheeses and Pasta (2 minutes): Stir in shredded provolone and cheddar until melted and smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni, coat noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Final Touches and Serve (Optional): Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and broil 1-2 minutes for a bubbly golden crust. Serve hot.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Caramelize onions for sweetness. Let dish rest briefly before serving to thicken sauce. Reheat with splash of milk if sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, creamy pasta, high protein dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food