Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe—it’s seriously comfort food turned up to eleven. The rich, creamy mac and cheese blended with tender, perfectly grilled steak bites is one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty, satisfying, and a little special without spending hours in the kitchen.

You’ll find this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe works like a charm for casual dinners or when you have friends over who love a good cheesy, meaty dish. It’s impressive enough to bring out on a weekend, but simple enough that you won’t dread making it midweek. Plus, the subtle punch from the cowboy butter rub adds a unique twist you don’t want to miss.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe combines ingredients that build deep flavor without fuss. I always recommend using good quality steaks and sharp cheeses for the best results. Trust me, a little splurge on these pays off big time.

• Steak: Choosing your favorite cuts, like ribeye or sirloin, ensures tender, juicy pieces that hold up well mixed into the mac and cheese.
• Cowboy Butter Rub: This seasoning blend adds just the right mix of smokiness and spice to both steak and cheese sauce—makes a huge difference!
• Canola Oil: A neutral oil perfect for searing steak without burning the rub.
• Macaroni Elbows: Classic shape for mac and cheese — they hold sauce perfectly and make every bite creamy.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a strong, tangy flavor that’s essential for cheesiness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Keeps the sauce elastic and gooey, balancing cheddar’s bite.
• Whole Milk: Creamy base that melts the cheese smoothly—don’t skip the full-fat!
• Bacon Bits: Salty crunch that perfectly complements the steak and creamy sauce.
• All Purpose Flour: Essential for making the roux that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps build the roux without extra salt interfering.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a hint sharpness that lifts all the flavors, making the sauce more complex.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe my own by swapping cheeses or adding different spices to my cowboy rub. Feel free to add veggies, swap steak for grilled chicken, or turn up the heat depending on what you like. It’s such a flexible base you’ll enjoy experimenting with!

• Variation: I once added a handful of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth that loved—the umami boost was incredible with the steak and cheese.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a twist, try vegan cheeses and almond milk, and swap steak for grilled portobello slices. Still delicious and creamy!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cowboy rub or sprinkle hot sauce on top if you like a spicy kick.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Steak

First things first: pat your steaks dry, then slather them with a light coating of canola oil. This helps the cowboy butter rub stick and creates a beautiful crust when you sear them. I like to use a hot grill set to about 400°F—get it nice and hot to lock in juices quickly. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature hits around 120°F for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly into bite-sized pieces. Keeping the slices warm while making the mac sauce is key to serving everything hot and fresh.

Step 2: Whip Up the Rich Mac & Cheese Sauce

While your steak rests, grab a skillet and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the cowboy butter rub to combine with the butter and cook until it forms a thick paste—this step unlocks tons of flavor. Gradually whisk in 75% of the milk in batches, making sure it fully integrates before adding more. This slow approach avoids lumps and lets the sauce thicken nicely. Once smooth and thickened, stir in Dijon mustard for that subtle tang, then add your shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Keep stirring over low heat until all the cheese melts and the sauce is silky. If it feels too thick, thin it out at the end with the reserved milk.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake for that Perfect Crust

In a second skillet, toss your cooked macaroni with about two-thirds of the cheese sauce until it’s well coated. Fold in the thin steak slices and sprinkle bacon bits over the top. For the final indulgence, smother everything with remaining cheese and sauce. Pop the whole skillet or baking dish into a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes—this step crisps up the top beautifully while keeping the inside creamy. When it’s done, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and get ready for all the compliments.

How to Serve Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra crispy bacon for crunch or even a dusting of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the cowboy rub.

Side Dishes

Simple green sides work wonders here—my favorites are roasted broccoli or garlic sautéed spinach. They bring balance to this rich and hearty meal. Lighter, tangy salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette also pair beautifully without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, try assembling this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. The crispy cheese crust on top looks fantastic, and everyone gets a personal serving that feels extra special. I’ve even topped some with fried shallots or truffle oil for a gourmet twist that impressed my friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The mac and cheese stays creamy and full-flavored for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the steak from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes okay, but I recommend freezing it before baking for best texture. Assemble the mac, cheese sauce, and steak in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual—this way, you get that lovely crust without sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F with foil loosely covering the dish to avoid drying out the cheese sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but I prefer oven reheating since it refreshes the crust and keeps the steak tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is close to my heart because it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a celebration—rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do eating it. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those nights you need a little extra cozy deliciousness. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out—I bet it’ll become your new favorite too!

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