The best homemade Mac and cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

This Steak Bites Loaded Mac & Cheese represents the perfect fusion of comfort food classics and gourmet flavors that creates an irresistible indulgent meal. This recipe features perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin steak bites combined with creamy three-cheese mac and cheese. The addition of crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and jalapeños creates layers of flavor and texture. Every bite delivers tender steak, rich cheese sauce, and satisfying pasta that will make this your new favorite comfort food recipe for special occasions and family dinners.

Mastering the Perfect Cheese Sauce for Restaurant-Quality Mac & Cheese

The foundation of exceptional loaded mac and cheese lies in creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce that won’t break or become grainy. The key is making a proper roux with butter and flour, then slowly incorporating warm milk to create a silky base. Using warm milk prevents the mixture from seizing and ensures smooth incorporation. The combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates complex flavor layers – cheddar provides sharp tang, Monterey Jack adds creaminess, and Parmesan contributes nutty depth.

Temperature control is crucial when making cheese sauce. Keep the heat at medium-low once you add the dairy to prevent scorching or curdling. The Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce, while smoked paprika reinforces the barbecue flavors that complement the steak. Grate your own cheese whenever possible, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

Selecting and Preparing Steak for Optimal Searing Results

Choose ribeye or sirloin steak for the best balance of flavor and tenderness in bite-sized pieces. Ribeye offers superior marbling and rich flavor, while sirloin provides excellent taste at a more economical price point. Cut the steak into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Pat the steak completely dry before seasoning – moisture prevents proper browning and creates steam instead of the desired caramelized crust.

The seasoning blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder creates a flavorful crust while complementing the overall dish profile. Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results. The key to perfect steak bites is high heat and minimal handling – sear each side for 1-2 minutes without moving them, creating a beautiful crust while maintaining a tender interior.

Stovetop and Oven Methods for Perfect Results Every Time

This recipe works beautifully using either stovetop finishing or oven baking methods, giving you flexibility based on your preferences and equipment. For the stovetop method, simply combine all components in the saucepan and serve immediately for creamy, restaurant-style mac and cheese. This method is faster and maintains the silkiest texture.

For the oven method, transfer the assembled mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and loaded toppings, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. The oven method creates a crispy top layer while keeping the interior creamy. You can also broil for the final 2-3 minutes for extra browning. Both methods deliver outstanding results with slightly different textures and presentations.

Complete Ingredients List

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Mac & Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warm
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Loaded Toppings:

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)
• Extra shredded cheese for topping
• BBQ sauce for drizzling (optional)

How to Make Steak Bites Loaded Mac & Cheese: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: How to Cook Perfect Al Dente Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil – the water should taste like seawater for properly seasoned pasta. Add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi and cook according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente texture. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the other components. Proper pasta texture is crucial for the final dish – it should have a slight bite and hold its shape when combined with the rich cheese sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook Crispy Bacon

Cut the thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces before cooking for easier incorporation into the final dish. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. This typically takes 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. The rendered bacon fat adds incredible flavor to the overall dish.

Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat if you want to use it for cooking the steak bites for additional flavor. Set the cooked bacon aside for topping the finished mac and cheese.

Step 3: Season and Sear The Steak Bites

Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for achieving proper browning. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, tossing to coat all surfaces evenly. Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prepare other components.

Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is shimmering and hot. Add the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding – work in batches if necessary. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned but still medium-rare inside. The internal temperature should reach about 125°F for medium-rare. Remove immediately and set aside.

Step 4: Make The Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This cooking removes the raw flour taste and creates the thickening base for your sauce.

Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream, adding about ½ cup at a time initially to prevent lumps. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Mac and Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly. The sauce should cling to the pasta without being too thick or too thin. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of warm milk. If too thin, simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

Gently fold in the seared steak bites, being careful not to break them apart. The residual heat from the cheese sauce will warm the steak through without overcooking it. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Stovetop Finishing Method

For immediate serving, transfer the loaded mac and cheese to serving bowls or a large serving dish. Top with the crispy bacon crumbles, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese if desired and drizzle with BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy. This method provides the silkiest texture and is perfect for casual family dinners or when you want to serve immediately after cooking.

Step 7: Alternative Oven Baking Method

For a crispy-topped version, preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a large baking dish. Transfer the assembled mac and cheese to the prepared dish and spread evenly. Top with extra shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, green onions, and jalapeños.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For extra browning, broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly. This method creates a beautiful presentation perfect for entertaining.

This Steak Bites Loaded Mac & Cheese represents the ultimate fusion of comfort food classics that creates an indulgent, satisfying meal perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of perfectly seared steak, creamy three-cheese sauce, and loaded toppings delivers restaurant-quality results that showcase the incredible potential of elevated comfort food.

Want more recipes like this? Check out all of our grilling recipes here for more steak, seafood, and BBQ favorites that are perfect for your next cookout.

ITEMS USED IN THIS RECIPE

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Knitted Gloves
Food Processor
Cast Iron Skillet 
Meater +

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