Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Hey friend, if you’re craving something that hits all those cozy comfort food notes but with a little extra kick, you’re going to fall in love with this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in cheddar-y, buttery goodness with tender bites of steak tucked right in. Perfect for a weekend dinner when you want something rich and satisfying without too much fuss.

What I love about this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is that it’s a real crowd-pleaser—you can make it for family, friends, or just treat yourself. The smoky, seasoned steak combined with the creamy mac and cheese delivers a winner every time. Plus, it’s easy enough that even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll come away feeling like a star. Trust me, this one’s worth trying, especially if you love hearty, comforting meals with a bit of a gourmet twist.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe comes alive with just a handful of well-chosen ingredients that blend texture, flavor, and richness. Make sure to get good quality steaks and sharp cheddar for that bold cheesy punch.

• Steak: Choose your favorite cut—ribeye or sirloin work great—to get juicy, flavorful bites after grilling.
• Cowboy Butter Rub: This spice blend adds a deep savory kick, perfect for the steak and the cheese sauce alike.
• Macaroni Elbows: Classic for mac and cheese; their curved shape holds onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a strong, tangy base for the cheese sauce that’s essential to the dish’s personality.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and gives a luscious stretchiness to the sauce.
• Whole Milk: The creaminess in the milk helps create a silky cheese sauce without it getting too heavy.
• Bacon Bits: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender steak and creamy pasta.
• All Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce so it coats every bite perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: A must-have for richness and making a smooth roux for the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheese sauce, balancing all the richness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is pretty flexible—you can easily add your favorite flavors or swap ingredients to suit your mood. For example, sometimes I like to throw in some sautéed mushrooms or swap the bacon bits for crispy pancetta for a fun twist.

• Spicy Variation: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you want a spicy kick—I tried this and loved the extra warmth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Try using a dairy-free cheese and milk substitute, though I’ve noticed it’s trickier to get the same melt and creaminess.
• Seasonal Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or roasted butternut squash to add color and nutrition while keeping it hearty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

First things first, slather your steaks in a bit of canola oil to help the seasoning stick. Then, generously cover both sides with the cowboy butter rub—that seasoning is key to bringing out the flavor. I like to give them a good massage with the rub so it really penetrates. Set your grill to high heat, around 400°F, so you get a nice sear right away.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection

Place your steaks on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits about 120°F for medium-rare. Remember, letting the steak rest after grilling is just as important to keep it juicy, so don’t skip that step. Once rested, slice the steak really thin into bite-sized pieces—this step helps those tender pieces distribute evenly through the mac and cheese.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce on the Grill

While the steak is resting, get your skillet onto the grill and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the cowboy butter rub and mix for a minute or two until it forms a paste—that deepens the flavor. Slowly whisk in 75% of the milk in batches to avoid lumps and let the sauce thicken. Add the Dijon mustard, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until you have a smooth, velvety sauce. If it’s too thick, thin it with the remaining milk.

Step 4: Combine and Bake for a Crispy Finish

In another skillet, toss the cooked macaroni with two-thirds of your cheese sauce. Spread that mixture evenly, then top with the steak slices and bacon bits. Smother everything with the remaining cheese and cheese sauce to get that glorious melty crust. Pop it into a 400°F oven for 10 minutes until it gets bubbly and golden on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.

How to Serve Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with chopped fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich cheese and steak. Sometimes I add a little extra cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika on top for depth.

Side Dishes

This Steak Mac and Cheese pairs amazingly with something fresh and crisp like a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for some balance. I’ve also served it alongside garlic bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce, which is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, I like to make individual servings in small cast iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties. Another time, I baked it in a bread bowl, which was a major crowd-pleaser and super indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that steak juicy and mac and cheese creamy, I let it cool to room temp before sealing, and it reheats nicely without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to save some for later. Just assemble the mac and cheese without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual—this method keeps the creaminess intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk and stir halfway through to prevent drying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that’s a little extra special. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward once you get the steps down. Sharing it with friends and seeing their delight always makes it worth the effort. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll have a new favorite for cozy nights in, trust me!

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