Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is the perfect comfort food for cozy nights. This creamy, cheesy macaroni combines tender steak and vibrant bell peppers for a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
• 1 lb Beef Steak, diced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix red and green)
• 1 cup Onion, diced (or shallots for milder taste)
• 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Whole Milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp Onion Powder (optional)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Chopped Green Onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté diced bell peppers and onions over medium heat until softened, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low and pour in whole milk. Gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Fold cooked steak and macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use shells or penne pasta if you prefer a different shape for your mac and cheese.
• Substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers creaminess.
• Try fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger, more aromatic kick.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a smoky or spicy twist.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the cheese sauce before combining with pasta.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the cheese sauce smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?

Yes, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best, but you can also use flank or skirt steak if you slice them thinly to avoid toughness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the steak and add extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender diced steak, creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Enhanced with sautéed bell peppers and onions, and finished with fresh green onions, this recipe delivers melty, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick, perfect for cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni

Protein

• 1 lb Beef Steak, diced (preferably sirloin or ribeye)

Vegetables

• 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
• 1 cup Onion, diced
• Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)

Dairy & Cheese

• 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Whole Milk

Pantry & Spices

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather and prep all ingredients, including dicing the steak, bell peppers, and onions.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
5. Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in whole milk, then gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
6. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked steak and elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is well-coated and evenly heated through.
7. Serve: Ladle the mac and cheese onto plates or bowls, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy while hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use tender steak cuts such as sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor.
• You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or penne if preferred.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond milk or another non-dairy alternative.
• Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Chopped green onions are optional but highly recommended for added color and freshness.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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

Keywords: Steak mac and cheese, Pepper jack queso mac, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy steak pasta, easy stovetop mac and cheese