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

Introduction

Craving comfort food but want to keep your protein intake high? This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese combines two classics: the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and the creamy comfort of mac and cheese. Packed with 40g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for anyone looking to satisfy hearty appetites while meeting nutrition goals—making it a weeknight dinner hero for active families and meal preppers alike.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

With bold flavors from lean steak, caramelized peppers and onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish delivers all the cheesesteak goodness in a single, protein-packed bowl. Using high-protein pasta and low-fat cheese boosts the protein without piling on excess calories, making this a meal everyone at the table will ask for again and again.

Choosing the Right Protein Ingredients

To hit that 40g protein target per serving, we’ve selected ingredients with the most protein punch: lean sirloin steak (or extra-lean ground beef), high-protein macaroni (such as chickpea or lentil-based or high-protein wheat mac), low-fat shredded cheese, and Greek yogurt for creamy richness. Add in vibrant bell peppers and onions for authentic cheesesteak flavor and extra nutrients.

Assembling and Serving Your Mac & Cheese

This recipe cooks up in one skillet and a saucepan—just sauté your steak and veggies, prepare your pasta, and whirl together the luscious cheese sauce. Mix everything together, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and bake for that irresistible cheesy crust. Finish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot for a truly filling, flavor-packed dinner.

Perfect Pairings and Portions

This mac and cheese pairs well with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables for balance. Portion out into glass meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week—each serving keeps you fueled for hours, whether you’re hitting the gym or tackling a busy workday.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, each packing approximately 40g protein, 520 calories, 12g fat, and 44g carbohydrates (may vary based on pasta and cheese brands). It’s a great option for meeting your protein needs, especially post-workout or for family dinners.

💡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 meal planning!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sauté 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Transfer steak to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Sauté 4-5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and Worcestershire sauce; cook 1 minute more.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Off the heat, whisk in Greek yogurt until creamy.
6. Stir cooked pasta, steak, and sautéed veggies into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with a little extra cheese, if desired.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is an ideal candidate for batch meal prep and hassle-free weeknight dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your week and generate a smart shopping list that consolidates ingredients from all your planned recipes.

Planning Benefits:

• Auto-calculates total ingredient amounts across your recipes
• Sorts your shopping list by grocery section (dairy, produce, etc.)
• Prevents overbuying and wasted ingredients
• Makes meal prep for the week seamless and stress-free

Pro tip: Plan this recipe with others that use Greek yogurt or bell peppers to minimize leftovers and streamline your grocery trip. Schedule your whole meal plan for total kitchen efficiency!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This protein-packed twist on two American favorites will satisfy your craving for comfort and your nutrition goals—add it to your weekly menu for a truly winning meal!