A Brief History of Mac & Cheese Meets Cheesesteak
Macaroni and cheese has been a comfort food staple in the U.S. since the 1700s, popularized by Thomas Jefferson after his travels to Europe. Meanwhile, the Philly cheesesteak, born in 1930s Philadelphia, became a sandwich icon with thinly sliced steak, onions, and melted cheese. Combining these two classics brings the best of both worlds—gooey, cheesy pasta and savory beef with peppers. This high-protein twist not only satisfies cravings but also packs in extra fuel for active lifestyles.
High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prep, it blends the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak. With tender beef, sautéed peppers, and plenty of melty cheese, each bowl is hearty, protein-rich, and absolutely satisfying
Ingredients
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12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta works great)
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1 lb lean ground beef (or shaved steak)
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low carb)
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3 cups milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
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1 cup shredded provolone cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until tender.
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Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
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In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
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Stir in provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
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Combine pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce in a large pot. Mix well.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes
Use protein-enriched pasta for maximum nutrition
Swap ground beef with chicken or turkey for a leaner option
FAQ – Common Questions
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute almond flour or cornstarch for the roux.
2. What’s the best pasta for high protein?
Chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched pasta are excellent choices to boost the protein content.
3. Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Definitely! After mixing, transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
