Description

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a comforting and indulgent mac and cheese recipe featuring tender diced steak, creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, and sautéed bell peppers and onions. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish combines bold flavors and melty cheese for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb Elbow Macaroni (Provides the base structure of the dish; swap with shells or penne if you prefer a different shape.)

Steak & Vegetables

1 lb Beef Steak, diced (Adds rich protein; tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (Used for cooking steak; feel free to substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter option.)
1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (Adds sweetness and a splash of color; mix red and green for a vibrant dish.)
1 cup Onion, diced (Enhances flavor; shallots can be swapped in for a milder taste.)

Cheese Sauce

2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
1 cup Whole Milk (Ensures a luscious sauce; non-dairy alternatives like almond milk also work well.)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (Adds depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used for an extra punch.)
1 tsp Onion Powder (Complements the overall taste; can be omitted if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.)
Salt and Pepper (Seasoning is key for balance; adjust to taste.)

Garnish

Chopped Green Onions (Offers a fresh finish; they’re optional, but recommended to enhance flavor and presentation.)

Instructions

Preparation: Gather and measure all the ingredients to streamline the cooking process and ensure accuracy.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced beef steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the steak is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour whole milk into the skillet with the vegetables. Gradually sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked steak and elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a milder flavor, substitute shallots for onions and use a mild white cheese instead of pepper jack.
You can swap the elbow macaroni with shells, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer.
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a vegan cheese alternative.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, especially after adding the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso mac, comfort food, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, stovetop mac and cheese