Devastatingly Good Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Okay, let’s talk comfort food! You know those days when you just need a big hug in a bowl? That’s where this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese comes in. It’s seriously creamy, seriously cheesy, and packed with tender steak. What’s not to love?

I’ve always been a sucker for both Philly cheesesteaks *and* mac and cheese. I mean, is there anything better than a perfectly gooey mac? Or a juicy, flavorful cheesesteak piled high with peppers and onions? Nope! So, one day I thought, “Why not put them together?” And trust me, you guys, it was a game-changer. This recipe is like a party in your mouth – the ultimate comfort food mashup!

Growing up in Philly, cheesesteaks were kinda a food group, LOL. And my mom always had a box of mac and cheese in the pantry. This recipe? It’s like my childhood on a plate, but leveled up! I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect. So give it a shot, you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? I know I don’t! This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese comes together so fast. We’re talking maybe 45 minutes, tops! Perfect for a weeknight when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.

The Ultimate Combination of Flavors

Okay, picture this: creamy, cheesy mac, tender steak, savory peppers and onions… It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! It’s the best of both worlds, seriously. If you love cheesesteaks and mac and cheese (and who doesn’t?!), you’re gonna be obsessed with this combo.

Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Got a party coming up? Need something for game night? This is IT! Everyone goes crazy for this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, and people will be begging you for the recipe. Trust me on this one!

Ingredients for Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

The Pasta

You’ll need one pound of dry elbow macaroni. Yep, the classic! It just wouldn’t be mac and cheese without it, right? Make sure it’s dry – we’re gonna cook it up nice and al dente later.

The Steak

Okay, here’s where things get really good. Grab one pound of thinly sliced steak. I usually go for ribeye ’cause it’s super flavorful and tender, but sirloin works great too. Just chop it up into bite-sized pieces before you cook it. Trust me, you want that steak in every single bite!

The Vegetables

Gotta have those classic cheesesteak veggies! You’ll need one green bell pepper, chopped. And one medium onion, also chopped. Don’t skimp on these – they add so much flavor!

The Cheese

Cheese, glorious cheese! We’re using 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened. This is key for that super creamy texture. And 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. I’m a sharp cheddar kinda gal ’cause I love the tang, but mild works too if you prefer a milder flavor.

The Dairy

To make that sauce extra luscious, you’ll need 1 cup of milk. I usually use whole milk for the richest flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand. 2% works just fine too!

Seasoning

Keep it simple with seasoning! Just 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You can always add more to taste later, so don’t worry about being too precise.

The Oil

Last but not least, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking the steak and veggies. Nothing fancy here, just regular olive oil will do the trick!

How to Prepare the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Cook the Macaroni

First things first, let’s get that macaroni cooking! Fill a large pot with water, and don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt – this really helps to season the pasta. Bring it to a boil, then toss in your one pound of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package directions, but listen up: you wanna cook it al dente. That means it should still have a little bit of bite to it. Nobody likes mushy mac! Drain it well and set it aside for now.

Sauté the Steak and Vegetables

Now, let’s get that Philly cheesesteak flavor going! Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your chopped steak, green bell pepper, and onion. Cook it all up until the steak is browned and the vegetables are tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring it around so nothing burns! The smell alone is gonna make your mouth water, trust me.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Alright, time for the star of the show: the cheese sauce! In a large pot (the same one you used for the macaroni is fine, just rinse it out!), combine your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Now, this is important: cook it over low heat, stirring *constantly*. Seriously, don’t walk away! You want that cheese to melt nice and smooth, without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. This might take about 5-10 minutes, so be patient. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all melted and creamy – yum!

Combine Everything

Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Add your cooked macaroni and that delicious steak and veggie mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated in that cheesy goodness. Make sure you get every last noodle!

Serve

And that’s it! Your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is ready to serve! Serve it immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Seriously, dig in and enjoy every single bite! You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Don’t Overcook the Macaroni

Seriously, this is key! Mushy macaroni will ruin the whole experience. Cook it al dente – it should still have a little bite. Nobody wants a soggy mess!

Use Good Quality Cheese

Cheap cheese just doesn’t melt as well, and the flavor isn’t as good. Splurge a little on some good cheddar and cream cheese. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Taste the sauce as you go, and add more salt and pepper if needed. You can even throw in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Make it your own!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Steak Substitutions

Okay, so maybe you don’t have steak on hand. No worries! You can totally use ground beef instead. Just brown it up real good before adding it to the sauce. Or, if you *really* want that authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe, grab some Steak-umm’s! They’re thin and cook up super fast.

Cheese Variations

Cheddar’s classic, but feel free to get creative with the cheese! Provolone is amazing in this – it’s what they use on a lot of cheesesteaks in Philly. Or, if you’re a mozzarella fan, go for it! It’ll give you that super stretchy, gooey texture. Just have fun with it!

Vegetable Additions

Want to jazz up your veggies? Throw in some sliced mushrooms! They add a really nice earthy flavor. Or, if you like a little heat, add some chopped banana peppers or other peppers. Just don’t go overboard – you still want that classic cheesesteak flavor to shine through!

Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Side Salad

Okay, this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is pretty rich, right? So, I always like to serve it with a simple green salad. Just some lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. It’ll help balance out all that cheesy goodness! You can find some great salad ideas here.

Garlic Bread

Okay, who can resist garlic bread? It’s the *perfect* pairing with this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese. Seriously, dipping that garlicky bread into the creamy sauce? Mmm, perfection! You can use store-bought or make your own – either way, it’s a win! Try this Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Can I make Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Totally! You can definitely make this ahead of time. Just cook everything according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it (see below!).

Can I freeze Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese?

Yep, you can freeze it too! But, fair warning, the texture might change a little bit. The cheese sauce can sometimes get a little grainy after freezing and thawing. But it’s still totally edible and delicious! To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat.

How do I make Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese spicier?

Easy peasy! If you like a little kick, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. Or, you can drizzle some hot sauce over the top when you serve it. My personal favorite is Frank’s RedHot – it’s got the perfect amount of heat and flavor!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days. But let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got a couple of options. The microwave is the fastest – just zap it for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re not in a rush, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. Either way, get ready for some cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, just a quick note: the nutritional info is an estimate! It can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so don’t take it as gospel.

Enjoyed This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese?

If you loved this recipe as much as I do, leave a comment below and give it a rating! I’d love to hear what you think!

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