High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese | 40g Protein! 🧀🥩🍝
1. Introduction
Introducing a deliciously satisfying and protein-packed twist on your classic comfort food—the High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese. Perfect for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone seeking quick food prep meals that combine flavor with nutritional power, this hearty dish delivers approximately 40 grams of protein per serving. Whether you’re planning prep dinners, looking for easy meals for single men, or exploring macro-friendly football food, this recipe is a versatile, crowd-pleasing option. Its rich flavors and high protein content make it an ideal meal for lean muscle building and a quick, satisfying dinner that fuels your body for the day ahead.
2. Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups uncooked high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or additional seasonings
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the ingredients
Begin by slicing the sirloin steak into thin strips and set aside. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing the vegetables and steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until tender. Push vegetables to the side, then add the steak strips and cook until browned. Stir everything together, then add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining and melting the cheese
Reduce heat, then add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so every bite is coated with the cheesy, meaty goodness. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt, creating that mouthwatering, macro-friendly cheese pull.
Serving tips and garnishes
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional hot sauce for extra flavor. This easy dinner meal can be portioned into meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
4. Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to restore creaminess.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
Enhance your High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese with toppings like chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a more #MacroFamilyFriendlyRecipe, add extra vegetables or substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles for a Whole 30 pasta recipe variation. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal with high-protein content.
6. FAQs about High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese
Q: Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the steak with hearty plant-based options like tempeh or mushrooms, and use vegan cheese alternatives. For vegetarian, use the same substitutions and add more vegetables for added nutrients.
Q: How can I increase the protein content further?
Add additional sources like scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, or a scoop of protein powder to the cheese mixture for an even higher protein boost, making this a perfect quick food prep meal for athletes and those building lean muscle.
Q: Is this dish suitable for Whole 30 diet?
For a Whole 30 compliant version, replace the pasta with spiralized vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potato noodles, and use compliant cheese options. Check our Whole 30 Pasta Recipes for more ideas.
7. Additional Resources & Recommended Tools
To make your cooking even easier, consider investing in practical kitchen gadgets like the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for fast vegetable prep or the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to keep your drinks cool during meal prep sessions. For efficient cooking, the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker can allow you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort—perfect for prep dinners or macro friendly football food.
8. Related Recipes for Inspiration
9. Conclusion
In summary, the High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese offers a delicious, macro-friendly, and high-protein meal perfect for busy athletes, quick food prep meals, and anyone seeking easy meals for dinner. With its rich flavors and nutritional power, this recipe is an excellent addition to your meal rotation, catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Embrace this innovative take on comfort food to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds!
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High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese | 40g Protein!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: High-Protein, Low-Fat
Description
Discover the deliciously satisfying and high-protein twist on classic comfort food with our High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese. Packed with approximately 40 grams of protein per serving, this hearty dish is perfect for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone seeking a nutritious, macro-friendly meal that combines rich flavors with nutritional power. Ideal for quick meal prep, it features tender sirloin steak, high-protein pasta, and melted cheese, making it a perfect dinner option to fuel your day and support lean muscle building.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups uncooked high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or additional seasonings
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the sirloin steak into thin strips and set aside. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until tender. Push vegetables to the side, then add the steak strips and cook until browned. Stir everything together, then add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat, then add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so every bite is coated with the cheesy, meaty goodness. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt, creating that mouthwatering, macro-friendly cheese pull.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional hot sauce for extra flavor. This meal can be portioned into meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American