Steak Bites Loaded Mac & Cheese
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.
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.
Video
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
- 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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