Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese: Imagine, if you will, the ultimate comfort food showdown. On one side, the rich, creamy indulgence of classic mac and cheese. On the other, the savory, sizzling delight of a genuine Philly cheesesteak. Now, picture them together, in a glorious, cheesy, meaty fusion that will redefine your understanding of deliciousness. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary love story, a testament to the power of combining two iconic American favorites into one unforgettable dish.

While neither mac and cheese nor the Philly cheesesteak boast a particularly ancient lineage, their individual stories are rich with regional pride and culinary innovation. Mac and cheese, a staple of American cuisine, evolved from humble beginnings, its creamy embrace comforting generations. The Philly cheesesteak, on the other hand, is a relatively recent invention, its origins shrouded in the bustling streets of Philadelphia, a testament to the city’s vibrant culinary scene. This recipe takes the best of both worlds, blending the familiar comfort of mac and cheese with the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

What makes Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The creamy, cheesy sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta, while tender slices of steak, sautéed onions, and peppers add a delightful savory counterpoint. The combination is unbelievably satisfying, offering a comforting warmth and a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion – its versatility is as appealing as its taste. So, are you ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create your own masterpiece of Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese?

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 (12 ounce) package of your favorite thinly sliced steak
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the “Philly Cheesesteak” Filling:

1. I always start by preparing the “Philly Cheesesteak” filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. I like to stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Next, add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes more. Don’t overcook it; you want it tender and juicy.
3. Once the steak is cooked, I sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to slightly toast and thicken the sauce.
4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This step helps to create a rich and flavorful base for our mac and cheese.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese Sauce:

1. While the “Philly Cheesesteak” filling simmers, I start on the mac and cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter is completely melted before proceeding.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is a crucial step for thickening the sauce. Don’t rush this part; a properly cooked roux is key to a smooth, creamy mac and cheese.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce. I find it easiest to whisk continuously while slowly pouring in the milk.
4. Once all the milk is incorporated, bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). I like to taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Stir in the cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The cheese adds a wonderful richness and flavor to the sauce.

Assembling and Baking the Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the mac and cheese bakes evenly and gets beautifully golden brown on top.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. I usually drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
3. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
4. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a non-stick baking dish for easy cleanup.
5. Evenly spread the “Philly Cheesesteak” filling over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This creates a delicious layer of savory steak and peppers that complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese hot. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my take on the ultimate comfort food mashup: Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese! I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, this recipe delivers on every level. The creamy, cheesy mac and cheese base provides the perfect canvas for the savory, tender beef and the sharp bite of the sauteed onions and peppers. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you completely satisfied.

Why is this Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese a must-try? Because it takes two iconic dishes and elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. Forget your average weeknight dinner – this is a meal that’s worthy of a celebration, a family gathering, or even just a cozy night in. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Serving Suggestions:

This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it further with a few simple additions. I love to serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the extra cheesy sauce. A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese, balancing the flavors perfectly. For a truly decadent experience, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Variations to Explore:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor profile. A blend of sharp cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack would be a fantastic addition. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers, to enhance the flavor profile. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate some jalapeños into the steak mixture. If you prefer a leaner version, you can use ground sirloin or turkey instead of ribeye steak. The possibilities are truly endless!

Make it Your Own!

Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize this recipe to your liking. This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. Experiment with different cheeses, add your favorite vegetables, or even try different types of pasta. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Share Your Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Creations!

I would love to see your creations! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your photos and feedback on social media using the hashtag #PhillyCheesesteakMacAndCheese. I can’t wait to see how you personalize this amazing dish. Let me know what variations you tried and what your favorite part of the recipe was. Your experience will inspire others to try this incredible Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese recipe and discover the joy of this ultimate comfort food fusion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food fusion. This Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!