High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese: A Creamy, Cheesy Powerhouse

Easy High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Combining two classics into one irresistible meal, this Easy High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese delivers all the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the rich comfort of a creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing combo, offering a boost of protein without sacrificing flavor or simplicity, making it an amazing weeknight dinner that keeps everyone full and satisfied.

Why This High-Protein Mac and Cheese is a Must-Try

This recipe stands out by using tender strips of steak (or lean ground beef for convenience), plenty of gooey cheese, and high-protein pasta or chickpea pasta alternatives. Sautéed peppers, onions, and a creamy sauce tie everything together for a craveable, balanced meal. The result: classic cheesesteak taste in an easy, one-pot mac and cheese that packs extra protein for muscle building and satiety.

Building a Creamy, High-Protein Cheese Sauce

The key to this mac and cheese is a simple, luscious cheese sauce fortified with Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. Melting sharp provolone and cheddar with a splash of milk creates a decadent base, while the Greek yogurt lightens the texture and provides additional staying power. Stir in sautéed onions and peppers for authentic Philly flavor, then toss with your cooked pasta and beef.

Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Assembly

After cooking the veggies and beef to perfection, blend everything together. The pasta, steak, onions, and peppers get coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, melty, and bursting with savory depth. A quick broil at the end creates a bubbly, golden top—just like baked mac and cheese, but faster.

Serving Suggestions for the Creamiest High-Protein Mac and Cheese

For the ultimate comfort food meal, serve with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. Garnish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving. Leftovers make a fantastic next-day lunch and reheat beautifully.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, with each portion containing approximately 30 grams of protein. Calorie count will range from 480–520 depending on your pasta choice and cheese ratios. It’s balanced enough for an everyday dinner, especially for anyone seeking a satisfying, protein-rich meal.

Ingredients

8 ounces high-protein pasta (chickpea or whole wheat macaroni works well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean beef steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt), thinly sliced (or sub with lean ground beef)
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened high-protein)
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella for extra melt)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list grouped by store section—no more forgotten items or random trips to the store! CookifyAI makes meal planning and grocery shopping for high-protein recipes completely hassle-free.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Add steak slices (or beef) and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the steak is browned and just cooked through; remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Pour milk into the same pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then slowly add the provolone and cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Whisk in Greek yogurt until creamy. (Add milk if needed to adjust consistency.) Taste and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  6. Return pasta, cooked steak, onions, and peppers to the pan. Stir to coat everything in the cheese sauce. Add mushrooms if desired.
  7. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden, if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is a powerful meal prep option—high-protein recipes like this keep lunches and dinners satisfying all week. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to auto-generate shopping lists, organize by grocery section, and consolidate all your needed ingredients across multiple meals.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates total protein needs by consolidating similar ingredients
  • Prevents duplicate purchases and keeps kitchen inventory efficient
  • Optimizes meal prepping, batch cooking, and smart leftovers management
  • Makes healthy eating and fitness meal planning effortless

Pro tip: Planning a week of high-protein recipes? Schedule your menu to see overlapping ingredients (like cheese and pasta), so you only buy exactly what you need—good for your wallet and better for reducing waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

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