Description
Steak Bites with Mac N Cheese is a delicious dish combining tender, flavorful steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 NY Strip steaks, cut into ¼–½ inch cubes
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning
- 1–2 tbsp avocado oil (as a binder)
- 16 oz pasta (elbow, cavatappi, or shells)
- Kosher salt (for boiling water)
- ⅔ stick unsalted butter (about 5 tbsp)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cups lukewarm whole milk
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese
- 8 oz each: shredded Gouda, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, mozzarella
- 1½ cups reserved shredded cheese mixture (for topping)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak Bites: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Creole seasoning. Drizzle with avocado oil and mix to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the mac.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente (about 10–12 minutes); drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux; cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Stir in a pinch of the steak seasoning blend for added flavor. Slowly whisk in lukewarm milk until smooth. Stir in the pepper jack until melted. Gradually add shredded cheeses—Gouda, Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella—until the sauce is velvety. Set aside 1½ cups of sauce for topping later.
- Assemble the Mac N Cheese: Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Optional: mix in an extra ⅔ cup of shredded cheese for more richness. Divide into oven-safe bowls or a baking dish. Pour the reserved sauce over the top for a golden baked layer.
- Bake the Mac: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake bowls on a sheet for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and slightly golden. For a crispy top, broil 3–5 minutes, watching closely.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Sear 2–3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak bites for even cooking.
- Mixing in extra cheese into the pasta is optional but adds richness.
- Keep an eye on the mac and cheese while broiling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg