Description
A delightful combination of comfort food featuring lean ground beef, rich cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella in a high-protein mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chickpeas)
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 8 oz light cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 slices light cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until soft and fragrant.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned, then mix in chopped bell peppers until tender.
- Reduce the heat, and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the mixture.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni into the skillet, mixing well to coat each piece evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Top the dish with shredded mozzarella and cheese slices, allowing them to melt over the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with chickpeas or lentils. Adjust spices according to taste for desired heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: high-protein, mac and cheese, creamy cheesesteak, comfort food, family meal