Welcome to a fusion of iconic comfort foods that will tantalize your taste buds! The Philly Cheesesteak meets classic mac and cheese in a harmonious blend of cheesy goodness, savory steak, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe not only celebrates the rich flavors of the original Philly Cheesesteak but also adds a comforting twist with creamy cheese. Whether serving for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress with its color, texture, and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and tender. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet, and set aside, retaining the flavorful juices in the skillet for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add diced onions, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized, absorbing the wonderful flavors left from the steak. Season with salt and pepper to enhance their earthy tastes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes forming a smooth paste, or roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, then reduce heat, and add shredded cheddar and provolone cheese. Stir well until the cheeses are fully melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the cheese sauce to the cooked pasta, stirring until each piece is fully coated in the gooey mixture.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cheese-coated macaroni, sautéed vegetables, and the reserved slices of steak. Stir delicately to evenly distribute all components. Transfer the mix to a baking dish, and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top to form a delicious, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to get that perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
Whether enjoyed immediately as a piping hot dinner or paired with a fresh side salad for balanced flavors, this decadent dish is flavorful enough to stand alone. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese and a crack of black pepper. Serve it family-style directly from the baking dish or portion it individually for cozy meals.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure that every bite of your Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is perfect, choose a high-quality ribeye steak for maximum flavor and tenderness. Feel free to swap provolone cheese with mozzarella, adding extra creaminess to the dish. Overcooking the pasta can lead to soggy textures when baked, so aim for an al dente finish. For a tempting golden top, broil the dish for the final 2-3 minutes.
High-Protein Twist: Boost Your Dish
If you’re looking to amp up the protein content in this recipe, consider incorporating more beef varieties such as lean ground beef or chicken breast slices. Tofu is also a great alternative for vegetarians. Another trick is to mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt in the cheese sauce, adding both creaminess and protein.
Adding proteins not only makes the dish more filling but also more nutritious. Meal-prepping with high-protein ingredients can transform your culinary experience, giving your body the energy it requires with flavors you’ll savor.
Make It Carb Conscious: Low Carb Reimagination
For a low-carb adaptation of this beloved recipe, consider substituting elbow macaroni with cauliflower florets or other pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles. These swaps slash carbs without sacrificing satisfaction. Combine with a generous amount of cheese sauce to achieve the same rich, indulgent texture.
Incorporating more veggies into the dish not only lowers the carbs but boosts the nutritional profile, offering a guilt-free indulgence. Such creativity allows you to enjoy your favorite meals while sticking to dietary goals.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the dish moist. If you prefer to freeze, divide it into portions and ensure it’s in freezer-safe packaging. Label with dates and consume within three months for the best taste.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses such as gouda or Monterey Jack, keeping the cheesesteak essence intact.
- How do I make it spicier? Add diced jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce to elevate the spice level.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to make the roux.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Replace the steak with mushrooms or veggie crumbles for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- What can I pair this recipe with? Serve alongside a light garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
A Delicious Endnote: Share Your Experience
This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese recipe is comfort food at its finest, a perfect embodiment of two beloved classics in one glistening dish. Share this culinary creation with family and friends, and feel free to leave comments with your thoughts or modifications. Spread the love by sharing this recipe across your social networks.
Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ribeye steak
- elbow macaroni
- olive oil
- onion
- green bell pepper
- mushrooms
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- shredded cheddar cheese
- provolone cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ribeye steak until browned.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk to form a paste before adding milk and cheese to create a sauce.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions to al dente.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, steak, and vegetables in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden on top.