Steak and Cheesy Mac

There are certain dishes that hit you in all the right places. They’re so delicious, so comforting, that you can’t help but lose control when they’re in front of you. For me, that dish is Steak and Cheesy Mac. My sister-in-law made it once, and I couldn’t stop eating. It was one of those moments where you just can’t resist the combination of perfectly cooked steak and melty, cheesy pasta. I knew that if I made it myself, it would be gone in no time — so I didn’t dare. But, of course, the craving never goes away.

There’s something magical about this pairing: juicy, tender steak served alongside a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that is both savory and satisfying. The richness of the steak perfectly complements the cheesy indulgence of the macaroni. If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please, look no further. Let’s dive into this irresistible Steak and Cheesy Mac recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Steak and Cheesy Mac

Perfect Comfort Food
It’s the ideal combination of two favorites — a juicy, tender steak paired with cheesy, creamy pasta. This meal gives you all the comfort you need, making it the perfect dish for any time you crave something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its decadent flavors, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. The steak is quick to cook, and the cheesy macaroni is easy to make with just a few ingredients. It’s an excellent weeknight dinner or weekend treat that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort.

Family-Friendly
This meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, from kids to adults. The creamy mac and tender steak are familiar yet elevated, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or a dinner party, this steak and cheesy mac dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. It’s great for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Customizable
Not a fan of steak? You can easily substitute the steak for grilled chicken or another protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses for the macaroni, adding variety and creativity to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering Steak and Cheesy Mac, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Steak:

2 ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut, such as sirloin or flank)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Cheesy Mac:

2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Steak

Prepare the Steak:
Start by patting the steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear better. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For extra flavor, you can also drizzle the steaks with Worcestershire sauce before cooking.

Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for your preferred level of doneness). Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Slice the Steak:
After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips for a tender bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Mac

Cook the Macaroni:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the Cheese:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder (if using) to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Layer the Steak and Cheesy Mac:
In a large serving platter or individual bowls, place a generous serving of the cheesy mac on one side. Top with a portion of the sliced steak, ensuring you get a bit of both in every bite.

Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Steak and Cheesy Mac

Use Good Quality Meat:
Ribeye steaks are rich, flavorful, and perfect for this dish, but you can also use other cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak. Choose the cut that fits your budget and preference for tenderness.

Let the Steak Rest:
Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps keep the juices inside the meat, making it more flavorful and tender. Don’t skip this step!

Experiment with Cheese:
While sharp cheddar is a must, feel free to play around with other cheeses. Try adding Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Make it Spicy:
For some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the cheese sauce. The spicy kick will complement the savory steak beautifully.

Leftovers Are Amazing:
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), this dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

While Steak and Cheesy Mac is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few sides. Here are some ideas to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic butter toast or crusty bread to sop up the cheesy sauce.

Green Salad: A light and fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the steak and macaroni.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or green beans make a great vegetable side to balance the meal.

Variations of Steak and Cheesy Mac

Buffalo Steak and Cheesy Mac:
Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce to the steak before serving for a spicy, tangy twist.

Steak and Cheesy Mac Casserole:
For a baked version, layer the steak and cheesy mac in a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Steak and Mushroom Mac:
Sauté mushrooms with the steak for an earthy, savory addition to the dish.

Grilled Veggie Steak and Cheesy Mac:
Add grilled vegetables like zucchini and peppers to the steak and mac for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Steak and Cheesy Mac is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the rich, savory flavors of tender steak with creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a meal that’s irresistible from the first bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone coming back for more.

It’s simple to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. And while I might have hesitated to make it at first — afraid it would disappear too quickly — I’m confident you’ll love it so much, you’ll make it again and again. Enjoy the decadence and flavor of this indulgent, comforting meal — it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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