Philly Cheesesteak Mac Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/philly-cheesesteak-mac-recipe/
