Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese

This Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy steak bites, perfectly seasoned and seared, sit atop creamy, oven-baked mac and cheese for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this recipe delivers both flavor and presentation.

The mac and cheese blends Gouda, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella for a rich, velvety sauce. Pepper jack cheese adds just the right amount of spice, making every bite unforgettable. Baking the mac and cheese in individual bowls gives it a golden, bubbling finish, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of textures and flavors. The smoky, savory steak pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, while the shared seasoning ties everything together. It’s comfort food, elevated.

Can You Use Other Cuts of Steak?

Definitely! NY Strip steak is ideal for its tenderness, but sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon are great substitutes. If you’re watching your budget, flank or flat iron steak also work well. Just make sure to cut the meat into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.

Can You Prepare the Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese in oven-safe bowls, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat it through.

Ingredients:

For the Steak Bites:

•2 NY Strip steaks, cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes

•2 tsp smoked paprika

•2 tsp garlic powder

•2 tsp onion powder

•1 tbsp Lite Creole Seasoning (Tony’s)

•Avocado oil (as a binder)

For the Mac N Cheese:

•16 oz pasta of choice

•Pinch of kosher salt (for boiling water)

•2/3 stick unsalted butter

•1/3 cup all-purpose flour

•3-4 cups lukewarm whole milk

•2 slices pepper jack cheese

•8 oz each: shredded Gouda, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, mozzarella

•1 1/2 cups reserved shredded cheese mixture

Instructions

Prepare the Steak Bites

Cut the steaks into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Lite Creole Seasoning. Drizzle a small amount of avocado oil over the cubes to help the seasoning stick. Mix everything thoroughly until the meat is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to allow the flavors to marinate while you prepare the mac and cheese.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of kosher salt to season the water. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes while whisking continuously. This step prevents a raw flour taste. Stir in the seasoning blend used for the steak to add depth. Gradually pour in the lukewarm milk, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth.

As the sauce thickens, add the pepper jack cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Slowly incorporate the shredded cheese mixture: Gouda, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella—a handful at a time. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the sauce for topping the mac and cheese later.

Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until it’s fully coated. For an extra cheesy dish, mix in an additional 2/3 cup of the shredded cheese mixture.

Transfer the pasta into oven-safe bowls, dividing it evenly. Top each bowl with the reserved cheese sauce to create a golden layer when baked.

Bake the Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the bowls on a baking sheet to make handling easier. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are bubbling and slightly golden. For a crispier finish, broil the bowls for 5 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Cook the Steak Bites

While the mac and cheese bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak cubes in a single layer. Sear them for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent proper searing. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover with foil to keep them warm.

Serve

Carefully remove the mac and cheese bowls from the oven. Top each serving with the warm steak bites, spreading them evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!

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Below is a printable recipe card!

Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese

Difficulty: Easy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:
2 NY Strip steaks cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Lite Creole Seasoning Tony’s
Avocado oil as a binder
For the Mac N Cheese:
16 oz pasta of choice
Pinch of kosher salt for boiling water
2/3 stick unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3-4 cups lukewarm whole milk
2 slices pepper jack cheese
8 oz each: shredded Gouda Gruyere, sharp cheddar, mozzarella
1 1/2 cups reserved shredded cheese mixture

Method

Prepare the Steak Bites by cutting the steaks into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes. Place them in a bowl and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Lite Creole Seasoning. Add a drizzle of avocado oil and mix until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the mac and cheese.
Cook the Pasta by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of kosher salt, then cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly. Stir in the same seasoning blend used for the steak. Gradually whisk in lukewarm milk until smooth. Once the sauce thickens, add the pepper jack cheese and stir until melted. Slowly add the shredded cheese (Gouda, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella) a handful at a time, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this sauce for topping.
Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce by mixing the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Stir in an extra 2/3 cup of shredded cheese if desired. Divide the mixture into oven-safe serving bowls and top each with the reserved cheese sauce.
Bake the Mac and Cheese by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and slightly golden. Broil for 5 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely.
Cook the Steak Bites by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and keep warm under foil.
Serve by removing the mac and cheese from the oven and topping each serving with the warm steak bites. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Substitute NY Strip steak with sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak if desired.
The mac and cheese can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you loved this Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese recipe, be sure to explore more of my comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes. These recipes are guaranteed to bring bold flavors and easy-to-follow steps to your kitchen. Check out all my recipes at [ and make every meal unforgettable!