Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese: My Go-To Comfort (Print Version)

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is pure comfort! Get my personal, easy recipe for this cheesy, meaty pasta. Perfect for cozy nights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Mac & Cheese Base

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 4 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups (8 oz) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1 cup (4 oz) freshly grated provolone cheese

→ Cheesesteak Fixings

07 - 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak (shaved steak)
08 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
09 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
13 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Optional Finishing Touches

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that water boiling for your macaroni. You want a big pot, lots of water, and *don't forget to salt it*! Honestly, this is where I always forget to salt the water, and then I'm like, 'why is my pasta bland?' Cook it according to package directions until it's al dente, you know, still has a little bite. Drain it well, but don't rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling on. Set it aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Toss in your super thinly sliced steak. Cook it quickly, stirring often, until browned, maybe 3-5 minutes. Remove the steak and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then throw in your chopped onions and bell pepper. Sauté them until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. I love the smell of onions caramelizing, it just screams comfort. If you get a little char, honestly, don't worry, it adds character! This is where the magic starts for our <i>Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese</i>.
03 - Time for the cheese sauce base! In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Once it's bubbly, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to cook this for about 1-2 minutes, constantly stirring, until it forms a smooth paste and smells a bit nutty. This is your roux, and it's what makes the sauce thick and luxurious. Don't walk away, hon, because this can burn fast! I learned that the hard way once, oops, had to start all over.
04 - Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This is crucial for a smooth sauce! Bring it to a gentle simmer, still whisking, until it starts to thicken. Once bubbly, take it off the heat. Now, stir in your grated cheddar and provolone cheeses. Keep stirring until melted and gloriously smooth. Add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and that splash of Worcestershire. Taste it! Adjust seasonings. This is the heart of our <i>Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese</i>, so make it sing!
05 - Now for the grand assembly! Add your cooked macaroni to the cheesy sauce. Stir gently to coat every single noodle in that glorious, creamy goodness. Next, fold in your cooked steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers. Everything should be evenly distributed, looking all happy and cozy together. This is where you can see the <i>Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese</i> really coming to life. I honestly love this part, it’s like watching a masterpiece come together, even if my counter is covered in cheese shreds.
06 - Pour the delicious mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If you're feeling extra, sprinkle a little more cheese on top for a golden crust – I usually do, because, why not? Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly golden. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen! It's pure heaven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, it lets the sauce set. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're fancy! This is the ultimate <i>Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese</i> moment.

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