High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese | 40g Protein!
Introduction
If you’re searching for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings comfort, bold flavors, and serious nutrition to the table, this High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a must-try. It fuses two American classics—Philly cheesesteak and creamy mac & cheese—into a single powerhouse meal with a whopping 40 grams of protein per serving! Perfect for fitness enthusiasts, busy families, or anyone craving an indulgent dish without straying from their nutrition goals.
Deliciously Unique High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
This recipe stands out thanks to its high protein content, achieved by using lean steak, Greek yogurt, and a strategic blend of cheeses. Sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms infuse the pasta with that unmistakable Philly cheesesteak flavor, while the rich and creamy sauce ties everything together. You’ll get the creaminess you crave—plus hefty, tender bites of steak—all in one satisfying dish.
Choosing the Right Protein and Pasta
The secret to maximizing protein? Start with top sirloin steak (or lean beef of your choice), seasoned and seared to perfection. Pair it with high-protein pasta such as chickpea pasta or whole wheat macaroni for an extra boost. Mixing in a bit of low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to the sauce means you’re not just getting that classic mac & cheese flavor but also much more staying power.
Building Classic Cheesesteak Flavors
You’ll sauté bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to recreate that iconic Philly cheesesteak aroma. Grated provolone and sharp cheddar combine for cheesy richness, while a small scoop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese gives a creamy tang—and even more protein. A hint of Worcestershire sauce brings an umami depth that sets this mac & cheese apart.
Serving Suggestions For a Protein-Packed Feast
For an extra burst of color, garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Pair your mac & cheese with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. If you meal prep, portion into containers and enjoy high-protein lunches all week!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, each delivering around 40 grams of protein (when using suggested high-protein pasta and steak). Calories per serving range from 500–600, depending on the cheeses and yogurt used. This meal keeps you full and fueled!
High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese (Recap)
Experience the best of Philly cheesesteak and cheesy macaroni in one high-protein, flavor-packed dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, fitness meal plans, or anyone who loves a comfort classic with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a smart shopping list—all ingredients categorized by store section for efficient meal planning and stress-free grocery trips!
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add steak slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned (2–3 minutes). Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 more minute).
- Stir Worcestershire sauce into the vegetables, then return steak to the pan. Toss to combine and remove from heat.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk and Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese) until smooth and warmed through. Gradually stir in provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, whisking until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta, steak, veggies, and cheese sauce in the pot. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot!
Weekly Meal Planning
This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a meal prep champion. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan and let CookifyAI organize all your recipes for the week—including generating one streamlined shopping list.
Benefits of Weekly Planning:
- Smartly calculates total ingredient quantities across all meals
- Groups items by grocery store section for speedy shopping
- Eliminates duplicate purchases and missed ingredients
- Keeps you on track with high-protein meals and nutritional goals
Pro tip: Schedule all your planned meals to easily see which ingredients overlap. If you’re using onions or cheese in multiple dishes, the shopping list smartly aggregates totals—so you shop once and waste less.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Enjoy the classic taste of Philly cheesesteak with the added benefits of high protein—perfect for meal planning, fitness goals, and family dinners alike!