Description
This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese offers an explosion of savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Packed with tender steak, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce, it's the ultimate quick and hearty meal for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients
1 pound Lean Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, thinly sliced against the grai
1 tablespoon Olive Oil, divided
1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
12 ounces High-Protein Elbow Macaroni or Rotini
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
3 cups Milk, whole or 2% recommended
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
4 ounces Provolone Cheese, freshly shredded
2 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (optional)
Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the high-protein elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside
- Prep the Steak & Veggies: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with half of the salt and pepper, and sear for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, stir in garlic and oregano, then remove
- Make the Roux: In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, sprinkle in the flour, whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard and paprika
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low, stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth
- Combine Everything: Add pasta, steak, and vegetables to the cheese sauce, and toss together until well combined
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot
Notes
For added creaminess, include cream cheese.
To prevent steak from overcooking, sear quickly and allow to finish cooking in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg