PERFECT PHILLY CHEESESTEAK MAC

Ever wished you could combine the comforting, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory, meaty delight of a Philly Cheesesteak? With this Philly Cheesesteak Mac recipe, your dreams are about to come true! Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to make, and I promise, your family will be begging for seconds.

The Magic Behind Philly Cheesesteak Mac

Okay, let’s talk about why this Philly Cheesesteak Mac is about to become your new weeknight staple. It’s not just about throwing some cheese and steak together. It’s about creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. We’re talking creamy, cheesy pasta, tender slices of seasoned steak, and those oh-so-important caramelized onions and peppers. Trust me, it’s a game changer.

And the best part? It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein into your family’s diet. This recipe delivers an awesome High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Pasta experience that’s way more exciting than your average protein shake. We all need some Easy Dinner Protein options, right?

Ingredients – Your Shopping List

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Philly Cheesesteak:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin work great)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (green or your favorite color), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Provolone cheese slices

Getting the Right Steak: The Key to Success

Listen, I can’t stress this enough: the quality of your steak matters. You’re aiming for thinly sliced steak, like ribeye or sirloin. Some grocery stores sell pre-sliced steak specifically for Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, which is super convenient. If you’re slicing your own, partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to get those thin, even slices. Remember, tender steak equals a happy belly!

If you’re looking for High Protein Dinner Recipes For Family, this is a winner because it’s not only delicious, but also packs a protein punch. Plus, kids (and adults!) are way more likely to eat something that tastes amazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions – Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Don’t be intimidated; I’ve broken it down into simple steps. We’ll tackle the mac and cheese first, then the cheesesteak, and finally bring them together in a cheesy, meaty symphony.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
4. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Philly Cheesesteak

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Optional: If you want extra cheesiness, lay provolone cheese slices over the steak and veggies during the last minute of cooking and let them melt.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Pour the Philly cheesesteak mixture over the mac and cheese and gently stir to distribute evenly.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing Philly Cheesesteak Mac!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Mac

Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few extra tips to help you nail it every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Nobody likes mushy mac and cheese. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier sauce.
• Customize Your Veggies: Not a fan of bell peppers? Try adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or cheesesteak mixture for a little kick.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Creamy Dreamy: Mix in some cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Top the Philly Steak Mac And Cheese with buttered breadcrumbs and bake it in the oven for a crispy topping.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the cheesesteak mixture, or mix in a dash of hot sauce into the mac and cheese.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses in the mac and cheese. Gruyere, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda would be delicious.

Serving Suggestions – Complete the Meal

While the Philly Cheesesteak Mac is a complete meal in itself, here are some side dishes that would pair perfectly:

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus

Other Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Dishes

If you’re loving the Philly Cheesesteak flavors, why not explore some other variations? You might enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Crockpot Pasta for a super easy weeknight meal, or a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole for a comforting baked dish. And if you want something lighter, Philly Cheesesteak Bowls are a fantastic option.

You can also try a classic Philly Cheesesteak Pasta for another twist on this favorite dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Philly Cheesesteak Mac:

• Storage: Store the leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, add a splash of milk to keep it from drying out. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a little milk or broth if needed.

Final Thoughts – Enjoy Your Creation!

There you have it! Your very own Philly Cheesesteak Mac, ready to impress your family and friends. This is one of those High Protein Dinner Recipes For Family that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a flavorful and satisfying meal. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Mac

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the savory taste of a Philly cheesesteak. It features creamy, cheesy pasta, tender slices of seasoned steak, and caramelized onions and peppers for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Large skillet or griddle
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound thinly sliced steak ribeye or sirloin
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper green or any color
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: Provolone cheese slices

Instructions

 

• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
• Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
• Add the thinly sliced steak and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized (about 8-10 minutes).
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Optional: If you want extra cheesiness, lay provolone cheese slices over the steak and veggies during the last minute of cooking and let them melt.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
• Pour the Philly cheesesteak mixture over the mac and cheese and gently stir to distribute evenly.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it al dente. Grate your own cheese for a creamier sauce. Customize your veggies by adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For extra creaminess, mix in cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy topping. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, pepper jack, or smoked gouda. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.