Description
Steak Bites Loaded Mac N Cheese is the comfort food mash-up of your dreams! Creamy cheddar macaroni baked to golden perfection and topped with juicy, seared steak bites. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or impressing your guests. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every single forkful!
Ingredients
For the Mac N Cheese Base:
1 lb elbow macaroni
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for meltiness)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb ribeye, sirloin, or NY strip steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, chili flakes, or your favorite steak seasoning
Optional Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Green onions
Drizzle of garlic butter
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheeses and stir until fully melted and creamy.Assemble the Mac N Cheese
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.Sear the Steak Bites
While the mac and cheese bakes, heat olive oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Season steak bites and sear in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and medium-rare inside. Let rest for 5 minutes.Finish and Serve
Top baked mac and cheese with warm steak bites. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of garlic butter. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Ribeye gives the richest flavor, but sirloin or strip steak also work great.
Let steak rest after searing to keep it juicy.
Make it spicy with jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce added to the cheese sauce.
Make ahead tip: Assemble the mac and cheese (without baking), refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Top with freshly seared steak just before serving.