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

Introduction

If you crave classic comfort food with a nutritious twist, this High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is your answer. Imagine the satisfying flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni – all with a whopping 40 grams of protein per serving! This crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing friends with a dish that’s as hearty as it is healthy.

Why This High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Stands Out

This recipe transforms the best of two adored dishes into a delicious, protein-packed meal. Lean steak, colorful peppers, and onions bring authentic Philly flavor, while high-protein pasta and melty cheese sauce deliver all the comfort of mac & cheese without the guilt. Perfect for those who want to hit their protein goals without sacrificing taste!

How to Pack in the Protein

The secret behind the protein punch? Using lean steak or ground beef, high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta, and a combo of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for the sauce. These swaps not only elevate the protein content but also add extra creaminess and flavor to every bite. A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and provolone brings everything together with cheesy perfection.

Building Your Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Start by sautéing onions and bell peppers for that signature Philly aroma. Cook thin-sliced steak (or ground beef) to juicy, savory goodness, and toss everything with al dente high-protein pasta. The quick, creamy sauce comes together in a blender – just blend cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and a dash of seasonings, then pour into the pan to melt with cheese. Stir everything together for a gooey, satisfying finish.

Serving Suggestions

For extra flavor and texture, top your mac & cheese with a golden broil of provolone or a dash of hot sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced, high-protein meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, each packed with approximately 40g protein. With lean cuts and smart swaps, you get all the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor and the creamy richness of mac & cheese, fitting perfectly into high-protein meal plans.

High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese (Recap)

This dish boldly combines two comfort-food icons into one protein powerhouse. The result? A cheesy, savory, and crave-worthy meal that satisfies your cravings and fuels your body — perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a smart shopping list with all ingredients sorted by grocery aisle – perfect for streamlined grocery trips and weekly meal prepping.

Instructions

1. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add steak (or ground beef) to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and just cooked through. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and set mixture aside.
4. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and half the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Blend until silky smooth.
5. Pour the cheese mixture into the same skillet over low heat. Stir gently, add remaining shredded cheeses, and cook until just melted and creamy (do not boil).
6. Add cooked pasta and steak-pepper mixture to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
7. Optional: Top with extra provolone and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or a dash of hot sauce if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream, holding up well in the fridge for several days. Save and schedule this meal for your week, and let CookifyAI auto-generate your ingredient list with quantities calculated for your selected servings.

Planning Benefits:

• Auto-calculates total ingredients for all weekly recipes
• Keeps your shopping list tidy, grouped by grocery section
• Prevents duplicate buys and forgotten essentials
• Saves time on both shopping and prep

Pro tip: When planning several high-protein meals, schedule all your recipes in advance to see how ingredients overlap — great for buying in bulk and reducing waste.

Cook and Prep Times

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