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Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese

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This easy comfort food recipe pairs juicy, flavorful steak bites with ultra-creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate indulgent meal everyone will love.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop & Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

2 NY strip steaks, cut into 1/41/2 inch cubes

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 tablespoon 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

34 cups lukewarm whole milk

2 slices pepper jack cheese

8 oz each shredded: Gouda, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, mozzarella

1 1/2 cups reserved shredded cheese mixture

Instructions

Prepare the Steak Bites
Cut steaks into cubes and place in a bowl. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Creole seasoning. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the mac and cheese.

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add kosher salt and cook pasta for 10–12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Add the same seasoning blend used for the steak. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
Stir in pepper jack cheese until melted, then add shredded Gouda, Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella a handful at a time. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cheese sauce for topping.

Combine Pasta & Sauce
Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated. Stir in an extra 2/3 cup shredded cheese if desired. Divide into oven-safe bowls and top with reserved cheese sauce.

Bake the Mac N Cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 5 minutes for a golden top, watching closely.

Cook the Steak Bites
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for a few minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and tent with foil.

Serve
Top baked mac and cheese with warm steak bites. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitute NY strip with sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.

Mac and cheese can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and baked when ready.

Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.