Garlic Butter Steak Mac Cheese

Garlic butter steak bites with mac and cheese is the kind of cozy meal that always hits the spot Whether you want a comfort food dinner for Sunday night or need something special for family dinner this recipe delivers big flavor and a delicious cheesy kick

I made this for a school night when we were short on time and my family could not stop going back for seconds The buttery herb coated steak with melty cheese pasta is unforgettable

Ingredients

• Ribeye steak: brings richness and tenderness Cubed for quick cooking Look for well marbled cuts
• Cajun seasoning: adds savory flavor and a little spice Choose a blend without too much salt for better control
• Butter: makes the sauce velvety and smooth Use real unsalted butter for the best flavor
• Fresh garlic: provides aroma and sharp bite Peel and mince just before using for strong flavor
• Fresh parsley: freshens up the final steak bites If possible use flat leaf parsley for better texture
• Butter: forms the roux base for the mac and cheese Use good quality for creamier results
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce Make sure it’s fresh to avoid lumps
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: add depth to the cheese sauce Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness opt for Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it
• Whole milk or evaporated milk and heavy cream: combine for ultra creamy texture Use freshly opened dairy for best results
• Mozzarella: for melt and creaminess Freshly shred for smoothest sauce
• Colby jack and sharp cheddar: deliver bold cheesy flavor Use high quality blocks and shred yourself for best melt
• Macaroni: holds the sauce well other short pasta shapes work too Cook just until al dente
• Salt and black pepper: tie everything together Season to your taste using freshly ground pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak Bites:

Pat the steak very dry with paper towels then cut into bite sized cubes and place in a bowl Drizzle with oil then add Cajun seasoning Massage to coat every piece and set aside while you start the sauce

Sear the Steak:

Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until almost smoking Add the steak cubes in a single layer Cook undisturbed two to three minutes to form a deep brown crust Flip and sear the other side quickly Remove to a plate so they do not overcook

Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan Once mostly melted stir in minced garlic and cook till fragrant about one minute Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom for extra flavor

Finish Steak Bites:

Return the seared steak and their juices to the skillet Toss in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness Turn off heat and set aside covered to keep warm

Make Cheese Sauce:

In a separate saucepan melt butter on medium low heat Whisk in flour bit by bit Cook and whisk steadily for two minutes until the mixture is pale and smells nutty Avoid burning for a smooth sauce

Season and Add Dairy:

Stir in half the garlic powder and smoked paprika Mix well so the spices bloom Slowly add whole milk whisking until fully smooth No lumps should remain Gently pour in heavy cream whisking to blend

Melt the Cheese:

With sauce warm and smooth add half of each shredded cheese by small handfuls Stir each addition until melted fully before adding more Cheese must be fully incorporated to avoid clumps Taste and adjust salt and pepper

Finish the Macaroni:

Cook pasta according to package until just al dente Drain but do not rinse Add the pasta to the warm cheese sauce and mix until every piece is evenly coated

Assemble and Bake:

Spoon half the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish Layer with the rest of the shredded cheese then add the remaining mac and cheese Top with extra mozzarella and cheddar for a beautiful crust

Bake and Broil:

Transfer dish to a preheated 350F oven Bake for twenty minutes until bubbling For a crispy top broil for three to four minutes until golden and the cheese is just browned Watch carefully to avoid burning

Save

Sharp cheddar is the standout ingredient for me that unbeatable tang binds the whole dish together My sister always requests extra cheddar on top and it started a family tradition where we all sneak extra cheese before it goes in the oven

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days The steak stays tender if you reheat gently in the oven covered at 300F to avoid drying out Mac and cheese reheats well in the microwave but adding a splash of milk helps restore the creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If ribeye is out of reach use sirloin strip steak or even stew meat cut into cubes For a cheese swap gouda or fontina both melt beautifully and bring unique flavor If you do not have Cajun seasoning use smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne garlic powder and onion powder for a homemade version

Save

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands alone as a complete meal for a filling dinner If you want more color serve with a crisp salad and lemony vinaigrette or roasted broccoli The cheesy richness of the mac and cheese pairs great with a quick side of pickled onions for a little zing

Cultural and Historical Context

Mac and cheese has roots in both southern and colonial American cooking while steak bites channel the indulgence of steakhouse flavors This combo brings together classic comfort traditions with a new twist by using a garlic herb butter more common in French or steakhouse inspired recipes

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you get steak bites tender and juicy?

Start with high-quality ribeye and cut into even cubes. Sear quickly in a hot pan to seal in juices, then rest the steak before serving to keep the texture tender.

→ What cheeses work best for creamy macaroni?

A blend of mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar creates a rich melt with lots of flavor variety and perfect creaminess.

→ Can you use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni works well, shells or penne are great substitutes for holding onto the cheesy sauce.

→ Is there a way to make the top extra crispy?

Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the macaroni before baking, and finish with a short broil to achieve a golden, crispy crust.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the steak and mac n cheese, refrigerate, then bake before serving. Add a splash of milk if reheating to keep it creamy.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

Try a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced and complete menu.