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Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese with steak peppers and onions
Protein Meal Studio

Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

A high-protein Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese made with lean steak, protein pasta, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce for a filling weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces protein elbow pasta
  • 1 pound lean sirloin shaved steak, or very thinly sliced beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces mushrooms sliced optional
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or provolone-mozzarella blend
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 ounces light cream cheese optional
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Extra mushrooms
  • Handful of spinach stirred in at the end
  • Extra provolone on top before serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the protein pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Blend the sauce base: Add the cottage cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in an even layer and cook quickly until browned but not tough. Remove to a plate.
  4. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms if using. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  5. Add seasoning: Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture and stir until warm and slightly thickened. Add cream cheese if using and stir until smooth.
  7. Melt in the cheese: Add provolone and cheddar a handful at a time, stirring after each addition so the sauce stays creamy.
  8. Adjust the texture: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until glossy and spoon-coating.
  9. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and beef back to the skillet. Toss gently until coated and warmed through.
  10. Serve: Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and serve hot with extra black pepper or provolone if desired.

Notes

Approximate nutrition per serving: 520 calories, 42g protein, 48g carbohydrates, 18g fat, and 680mg sodium. Nutrition may vary based on pasta type, cheese, beef cut, and portion size.