Description

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, featuring tender diced steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a luscious pepper jack cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish combines creamy, cheesy pasta with savory steak and a hint of spice for a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

1 lb Elbow Macaroni

Steak & Vegetables

1 lb Beef Steak, diced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
1 cup Onion, diced

Cheese Sauce

2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
1 cup Whole Milk
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Garnish

Chopped Green Onions (optional)

Instructions

Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by dicing the steak, bell peppers, and onions to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the whole milk. Gradually add the garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked steak and elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Diced steak can be substituted with ground beef for a different texture.
For a spice-free version, substitute pepper jack cheese with mild cheddar.
Swap whole milk with almond milk or other non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option.
Use shells or penne pasta if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for stronger flavor.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preference.

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, Easy dinner, Macaroni and cheese with steak