Description
Steak Mac and Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled steak with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Enhanced by a homemade cowboy butter rub and topped with bacon bits and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a perfect blend of smoky, savory flavors and rich textures for an indulgent main course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Steak
- 2 steaks (your favorite cut)
- 3 tbsp cowboy butter rub
- Canola oil as needed
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Mac & Cheese
- 4 cups macaroni elbows, cooked
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1.5 tbsp cowboy butter rub
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Slather your steak in canola oil and generously season it evenly with the cowboy butter rub. Preheat your grill to high heat, around 400°F. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium-rare. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice the steak thinly into bite-sized pieces and keep warm.
- Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce: Place a skillet on the grill or stovetop and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the cowboy butter rub and cook together for 1-2 minutes until it forms a fragrant paste. Gradually whisk in about 75% of the whole milk in batches to avoid lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken into a smooth sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard to enhance flavor. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until fully melted, smooth, and creamy. Add the remaining milk at the end to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: In another skillet or pot, combine the cooked macaroni with two-thirds of the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer the macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking-safe dish. Top with the sliced steak pieces and sprinkle the bacon bits evenly on top. Smother with the remaining shredded cheese and the remaining cheese sauce to create a rich crust upon baking.
- Bake to Finish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the assembled dish for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt further and develop a delicious golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and savory steak mac and cheese.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the cowboy butter rub.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter sauce if preferred.
- Bacon bits can be swapped for cooked pancetta or omit for a less salty option.
- Resting the steak after grilling is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop with high heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
