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

Introduction

Looking for a meal that delivers comfort, big flavor, and muscle-building power? This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese blends the cheesy indulgence of classic mac and cheese with the savory, satisfying taste of a Philly cheesesteak—plus a whopping 40 grams of protein per serving! It’s a genius solution for those craving hearty comfort food while keeping protein intake high, whether you’re meal prepping for the week, fueling tough workouts, or feeding a hungry family.

Why This Mac & Cheese is a Game Changer

Imagine tender bites of seasoned beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers tucked into a creamy cheese sauce—all tossed with pasta and topped with an irresistible golden crust. The high protein content comes from clever ingredient swaps like lean ground beef, high-protein pasta, and a blend of cheeses. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and makes busy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or lunchbox meals both nourishing and exciting.

Choosing the Best Protein-Rich Ingredients

Maximize flavor and nutrition by using ingredients like 90% lean ground beef or shaved sirloin, high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta, and reduced-fat mozzarella or provolone cheese. Incorporate Greek yogurt for even more protein and a luxuriously creamy texture, and opt for colorful bell peppers and onions to capture those authentic Philly flavors.

How to Achieve Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

For the perfect cheese sauce, gently heat together reduced-fat cheddar, mozzarella, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Melting them slowly ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without splitting. Stir in a little Dijon mustard for extra depth, and fold everything together with the pasta and beef mixture right before baking for a gooey, melty bite every time.

Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese: Serving Tips

Sprinkle extra cheese and a few panko breadcrumbs on top before popping the dish under the broiler—this creates a savory, golden crust that’s impossible to resist. Pair each serving with a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced meal, or portion it into meal prep containers for grab-and-go high-protein lunches all week long.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, each packed with about 40 grams of protein, 600-650 calories, and plenty of satisfying flavor. Exact macros will vary based on brands and ingredient choices.

High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese (Recap)

Boost your weeknights with this unique spin on two favorites—classic mac and cheese and the iconic Philly cheesesteak. By prioritizing high-protein ingredients and dynamic flavors, you’ll satisfy your cravings and your nutritional needs in one simple, delicious dish.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside (undercook by 1-2 minutes for best results).
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
4. Add lean ground beef or shaved sirloin and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a pot over low heat, combine mozzarella, provolone, cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Stir constantly until just melted and smooth (don’t let it boil).
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef-and-veggie mixture, and cheese sauce. Mix well and transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
7. Top evenly with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs and extra shredded cheese, if desired. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a perfect candidate for weekly meal prep—just portion leftovers into containers for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners on busy days. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal planner to automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients from every meal you plan.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all your planned recipes
• Sorts shopping lists by aisle for quicker, easier grocery trips
• Reduces food waste and prevents missing ingredients
• Makes healthy high-protein meal prep straightforward and hassle-free

Pro tip: When planning multiple high-protein meals, schedule everything together—CookifyAI will total up shared ingredients, like Greek yogurt or cheese, so you only buy what you need.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the bold, comforting taste of Philly cheesesteak in a powerful high-protein mac and cheese—meal prep has never been easier or more delicious!