Philly Cheesesteak Mac Recipe

Introduction

Philly Cheesesteak Mac combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with creamy macaroni for a comforting, indulgent meal. This easy, one-skillet dish is perfect for anyone craving a hearty twist on mac and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1.75 pounds lean ground beef
• 1.5 tablespoons butter
• 5 ounces light cream cheese
• 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices light processed cheese
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 8.5 ounces dry macaroni
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the macaroni.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and the red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and processed cheese slices. Cook gently, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use provolone cheese instead of processed cheese slices.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sliced jalapeños for more texture and heat.
• Use whole wheat macaroni to boost fiber content for a healthier twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini work well and hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cooked components in advance and combine them just before serving to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.

Philly Cheesesteak Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

Philly Cheesesteak Mac is a comforting fusion dish combining the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with creamy macaroni pasta. Ground beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and a blend of melted cheeses create a savory, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats tender macaroni, making this an irresistible one-pan meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1.75 pounds lean ground beef
• 1.5 tablespoons butter
• 5 ounces light cream cheese
• 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices light processed cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Pasta

• 8.5 ounces dry macaroni
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Seasonings and Garnish

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water then drain the macaroni and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, chopped white onion, red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their flavors.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if there is a lot. Season the beef mixture generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes according to your taste preference.
4. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add the light cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and the light processed cheese slices to the cooked beef and peppers. Stir continuously and cook gently until all the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the drained macaroni and reserved pasta water into the skillet with the creamy cheesesteak mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if needed. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
• You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes.
• For a richer sauce, substitute light cream cheese with regular cream cheese.
• Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; you may omit or substitute with chives if preferred.
• Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; al dente pasta will hold up better in the creamy sauce.

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, macaroni, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, skillet dinner