Description
A comforting bowl of mac and cheese infused with beef, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped White Onion
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Bell Peppers (Red, Green & Yellow)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 8 oz Light Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 4 slices Light Cheese Slices
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, stir in the macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Beef: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the Veggies: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add bell peppers and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add mozzarella and cheese slices. Mix until smooth.
- Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture, ensuring all is coated. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheesesteak, high protein, comfort food, family dinner