Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on two classic favorites. Combining savory ground beef, sautéed peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni, this dish offers comfort food with bold flavors. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
• 20g butter (or olive oil)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 100g chopped white onion
• 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix)
• Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
• 140g light cream cheese
• 50g shredded mozzarella
• 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 125ml reserved pasta water
• 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a protein boost)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 125ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Allow the cheeses to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir well until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if necessary.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or cooked chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
• Use smoked paprika for a richer, smoky flavor that complements the cheese.
• Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms for extra umami and texture.
• Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store leftover Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove while stirring, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shell pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with cooked chickpeas, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Be sure to season well to keep the dish flavorful.

Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

A delicious and comforting Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese recipe featuring sautéed bell peppers, onions, and ground beef blended into a creamy cheese sauce with macaroni pasta. This dish combines the classic flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich with the creamy texture of mac and cheese for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
• 20g butter (or olive oil)
• 140g light cream cheese
• 50g shredded mozzarella
• 3–4 light cheese slices (or your favorite melting cheese)

Vegetables

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 100g chopped white onion
• 75g each red, green & yellow bell peppers (or any mix!)

Pantry Staples & Seasonings

• Salt, pepper, paprika & chili flakes (to taste)
• 125ml reserved pasta water
• 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for protein boost)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes according to your preference.
4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheese slices. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and form a silky, creamy sauce.
5. Bring it Together: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until every noodle is coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chickpeas for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used to increase protein and fiber content.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the chili flakes for desired heat.
• Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce for a perfect creamy texture.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness to the dish.

Keywords: Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, creamy macaroni, ground beef mac and cheese, skillet recipe, comfort food, easy dinner