Amazing Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Okay, so get this: you know how sometimes you just crave *that* perfect cheesy, creamy mac and cheese, but then you also get that hankering for a classic Philly cheesesteak – the gooey cheese, the savory beef, the sweet peppers and onions? Well, why choose when you can have BOTH? That’s exactly how this absolutely outta-this-world Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese came to be in my kitchen. Seriously, it’s like a flavor party happened and invited all my favorite comfort foods.

This recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly satisfying, and honestly, it just makes you feel good. It’s become my go-to when I need something truly special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

• The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo: It perfectly melds the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory, loaded flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak.
• Surprisingly Easy to Whip Up: Seriously, it comes together faster than you might think, making it perfect for weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleaser in a pinch.
• Packed with Flavor: Every bite is loaded with tender beef, sweet peppers and onions, and that rich, cheesy sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone goes crazy for this dish. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or get-togethers!

Gather Your Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Alright, let’s get our ingredient game face on! To make this dreamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese happen, you’ll want to round up these goodies:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is great for flavor!)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button work perfectly)
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (don’t skimp here, the good stuff makes a difference!)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk gives the creamiest sauce)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to your heart’s content

Essential Equipment for Making Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

So, what goodies do you need from your kitchen arsenal for this cheesy masterpiece? You’ll definitely want a nice, big skillet for browning all that delicious beef and veggies. A medium saucepan is perfect for whipping up that creamy cheese sauce. Oh, and don’t forget a whisk – gotta get that sauce super smooth! A baking dish, maybe a 9×13 inch one, is key for that final bake. It’s all pretty standard kitchen stuff, really!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness rolling! It’s not complicated at all, trust me.

Cooking the Macaroni

First things first, get that elbow macaroni cooking according to the package. We want it nice and tender, but not mushy! Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. Easy peasy!

Preparing the Cheesesteak Filling

Now, grab your big skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s all browned, drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy mac and cheese! Toss in your sliced onions, green bell pepper, and those yummy mushrooms. Cook it all together until the veggies are nice and tender, getting that classic cheesesteak vibe going.

For more ideas on loading up on beef, check out some high-protein beef pasta options, or dive into this garlic butter beef recipe for flavor inspiration.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Time for the magic to happen in that medium saucepan! Melt your butter over medium heat. Then, whisk in the flour and let it cook for just about a minute – this helps get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, whisk in the milk. Keep whisking constantly until the sauce starts to thicken up a bit. Once it’s nice and smooth, take it off the heat and stir in all that shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gloriously gooey. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. You want it just right!

Combining and Baking Your Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Okay, the grand finale! Pour that beautiful cheese sauce over your cooked macaroni and stir everything together until it’s perfectly coated. Now, stir in that amazing beef and veggie mixture until it’s all incorporated. Pour this whole glorious concoction into your baking dish.

Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and looks absolutely irresistible. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are starting to get a little golden!

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

You know, I’ve tinkered with this recipe a bunch, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more amazing. First off, the cheese! Don’t be afraid to shred your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese usually has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little less smooth. And seriously, consider adding some provolone cheese into the mix with the cheddar – it gives it that authentic cheesesteak tang that’s just *chef’s kiss*. Also, when you’re cooking the beef and veggies, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if you have to! This helps everything brown nicely instead of just steaming. For more awesome pasta ideas, you’ve gotta check out my garlic parmesan chicken pasta or my super comforting cheesy vegetable chowder!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for a sec because they totally make this Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese sing! For the cheese, while sharp cheddar is fantastic on its own, adding about half a cup of provolone cheese along with the cheddar gives it that true Philly punch. If you can’t find provolone, a mild white cheddar works too. As for the beef, 80/20 ground chuck is my go-to for flavor, but you can use leaner beef if you prefer. Just maybe add a touch more butter to the veggies to keep things moist. If green bell peppers aren’t your jam, yellow or orange ones are super sweet alternatives!

Serving and Storing Your Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Oh, this stuff is best served piping hot right out of the oven, when that cheese is extra melty and gooey!

If you happen to have any leftovers though (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or, for the best texture, pop it back in the oven at a lower temp until warmed through. It’s still amazing the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions about Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about this Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese:

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! If you want to skip the beef, you can totally make this a vegetarian delight. Just load up on extra mushrooms and maybe add some plant-based crumbles or even some diced tofu to get that hearty texture. It’s still going to be super cheesy and delicious!

What kind of cheese is best for this Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese?

For that authentic touch, I really love using a mix! Sharp cheddar is a must for that creamy base, but adding some provolone cheese really amps up the cheesesteak flavor. If you don’t have provolone, a good quality Swiss or even a mild mozzarella can work in a pinch. Just make sure it melts nicely!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can totally prepare the components ahead of time! Cook the macaroni and prepare the cheesesteak filling and the cheese sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just combine everything, pour into your baking dish, and bake until bubbly. It makes it a breeze for busy nights!

How do I get that classic cheesesteak vegetable flavor?

The key is to sauté those onions and peppers until they’re nice and tender, and a little bit sweet. Don’t rush that step! Cooking them in the same pan after the beef helps them soak up all those delicious beefy bits. For more ideas on handling ground beef for other meals, check out these ground beef lettuce wraps or this ground beef protein bowl!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a friendly heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change depending on the exact brands you use and how generous your portions are! But for a serving of this incredible Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese, you’re looking at roughly 750 calories, about 45g of fat, and a good punch of protein at 30g. Enjoy!

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