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+ servings
finalized steak and mac and cheese bites

Steak Bites Loaded Mac & Cheese

James Brown
Ultimate comfort food featuring perfectly seared steak bites, creamy three-cheese mac and cheese, crispy bacon, and loaded toppings. Includes both stovetop and oven methods.
Servings 6
Calories 1365 kcal
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

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

FOR THE 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

FOR THE 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

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta al dente according to package directions minus 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook bacon until crispy, remove and set aside. Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  • Sear steak bites in hot oil and butter 1-2 minutes per side until browned but medium-rare inside. Set aside.
  • Make cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add warm milk and cream. Add seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
  • STOVETOP METHOD: Combine pasta with cheese sauce, fold in steak bites, top with bacon and vegetables. Serve immediately.
  • OVEN METHOD: Transfer to buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and toppings. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
  • Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, and optional BBQ sauce drizzle.

Notes

- Pat steak dry before seasoning for better browning
- Use warm milk to prevent cheese sauce from breaking
- Grate your own cheese for smoothest melting
- Both stovetop and oven methods work perfectly

Nutrition

Calories: 1365kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 62gFat: 91gSaturated Fat: 48gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 259mgSodium: 2028mgPotassium: 877mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2510IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1011mgIron: 3mg
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