High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss
A delightful blend of mac and cheese with the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, enriched with extra protein and topped with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz short pasta (elbow, cavatappi, or shells)
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional) Omit if desired
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour for GF version
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 cups shredded provolone or cheddar blend
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta one minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and sear 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onions and bell pepper; cook until softened and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add garlic in the last minute.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) until incorporated.
- Add Dijon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combining Ingredients
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded provolone/cheddar and Parmesan until melted and silky.
- Return steak to the skillet with onions, add the drained pasta, and pour the cheese sauce over everything. Stir to combine.
Baking (Optional)
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with panko and a little extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy your High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Bliss warm.
Notes
Use room-temperature dairy for even melting. For a protein boost, stir in extra cottage cheese or a scoop of ricotta. For added veggies, chop and add mushrooms or spinach.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
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