Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible dish that combines two of my absolute favorites: Philly cheesesteak and creamy mac and cheese! Seriously, this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine al dente macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, all while being graced by the tender flavors of perfectly cooked ribeye steak and sautéed veggies. It’s comfort food at its finest—so satisfying and packed with flavor that you’ll want to make it again and again. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to treat yourself. Trust me, this fusion dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
Cook the Macaroni
First things first, let’s get that macaroni cooking! Boil a pot of salted water and add your 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Follow the package instructions for cooking time—usually around 7-9 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Once it’s cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. You want it ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness!
Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
Now, grab a skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. It’s going to smell amazing! Once that butter is all bubbly, toss in 1 cup of diced onion and 1 cup of diced green bell pepper. Sauté these beauties until they’re soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Now, it’s time to add in 1 lb of thinly sliced ribeye steak. Cook it until it’s nicely browned—don’t rush this part, let those flavors develop! It should take about 4-6 minutes. Stir it all together and let the skillet work its magic.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large pot, combine the drained macaroni with 1 cup of cream cheese, 2 cups of milk, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir, oh how you’ll want to stir! Keep mixing until everything is melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens—just picture that gooey, cheesy sauce coating every piece of macaroni.
Combine and Season
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add that glorious steak and vegetable mixture straight into your cheesy pot. Stir it all up until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! Serve this deliciousness hot, maybe with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top or a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal in a flash!
- Flavor-Packed: With the savory ribeye steak, creamy cheeses, and vibrant veggies, each bite is bursting with flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something so satisfying about digging into a warm bowl of cheesy pasta mixed with the classic tastes of a Philly cheesesteak.
- Unique Twist: It’s not just your average mac and cheese; this fusion dish takes traditional comfort food to a whole new level that surprises and delights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, meaty goodness—it’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Tips for Success
- Use Leftover Steak: If you have leftover steak from a previous meal, this is a fantastic way to use it! Just slice it thin and toss it right into the skillet—easy peasy and saves you time!
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to play around with the cheese! You can substitute half of the cheddar with provolone or gouda for a different flavor twist. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish!
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the steak mixture. It’ll give your Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese a delightful kick!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When cooking the steak and veggies, take your time to let them brown nicely. This caramelization adds depth and flavor that you really don’t want to miss!
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Remember to keep the macaroni al dente since it’ll continue to cook a bit in the cheese sauce. Trust me, nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Consider topping your dish with some chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese just before serving. It adds a pop of color and makes it even more appetizing!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to have an idea of what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 35g
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your personal dietary preferences and needs. Enjoy your delicious meal without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ribeye steak gives that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute it with other meats like chicken, turkey, or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! If cream cheese isn’t on hand, you can use a combination of sour cream and extra cheddar cheese for that creamy texture. Just keep stirring until it’s all melted and smooth!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese a day ahead. Just follow the recipe up until combining everything, then let it cool before storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to keep that creamy texture intact!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating later. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese, you’ll want to save those delicious leftovers for later! To store, simply let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps keep the creamy texture intact. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick meal during the week!
If you’re looking to save it for a longer period, you can absolutely freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or even individual servings for easy reheating. It’s best to freeze it within a day or two for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to dive back in, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This gentle thawing helps maintain the flavors and prevents any texture issues.
For reheating, I recommend either using the stove or the oven. If you’re going with the stove, just add a splash of milk while warming it over low heat, stirring gently until it’s warmed through and creamy again. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place your mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes if you’d like a bit of a crispy top!
Whichever method you choose, just remember to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. Enjoy every last cheesy bite!
Call to Action
Now that you’ve made this mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add your own twist or maybe a secret ingredient? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts! I’m always excited to hear how you’ve made this dish your own.
If you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating! Your feedback helps me bring more delicious creations to the table. And don’t forget to snap a picture of your cheesy masterpiece and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your delicious variations—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking!
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Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese: 5 Bold Flavor Combos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious fusion of Philly cheesesteak and creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
- Add the ribeye steak and cook until browned.
- In a large pot, combine cooked macaroni, cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Add the steak mixture to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover steak for a quicker option.
- Adjust cheese types for different flavors.
- Add hot sauce for spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese