Tired of Boring Meal Preps? Try This High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Mac n Cheese!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Light Butter (reduced‑fat butter, softened)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Onion (diced, yellow or white)
• 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (sweet paprika)
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
• 4 oz Light Cream Cheese (reduced‑fat, cubed)
• 1 cup Lowfat Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑fat)
• 1/4 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking macaroni)
• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry, cooked al dente)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Mince the garlic, dice the onion and bell pepper, shred the mozzarella, cube the light cream cheese, and measure all seasonings and pasta water.

   Time: PT10M

2. Cook the Macaroni

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook 8‑10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain using a colander.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: boiling

3. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat the large skillet over medium heat, melt the light butter, then add the minced garlic, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

4. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Break the meat apart and cook for 8 minutes, or until no pink remains and the beef is nicely browned.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: medium

5. Create the Cheese Sauce

   Reduce the heat to low, add the light cream cheese, shredded lowfat mozzarella, and the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another 1‑2 minutes just to heat through.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low

7. Portion and Serve

   Divide the creamy mac and cheese into four equal servings. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, or let cool for meal‑prep storage.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

540

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

15g

Fiber

3g