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 dish is elevated with tender steak and colorful bell peppers, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
• 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
• 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Chopped Green Onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
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 until softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in whole milk. Gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the cooked steak and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is well coated and heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve the mac on plates or bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy while hot!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute shallots for the onion or omit the onion powder.
• Swap elbow macaroni with shells or penne for a different pasta texture.
• Use non-dairy milk like almond milk to make the sauce lactose-free without compromising creaminess.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when sautéing the bell peppers.

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, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute pepper jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste and create different flavors.

What’s the best cut of steak to use?

Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best for a juicy and flavorful steak that complements the creamy mac and cheese.

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a comforting and flavorful macaroni dish featuring tender diced steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a creamy, spicy pepper jack cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights when you crave a hearty, cheesy meal with a delightful kick of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni

Protein

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

Vegetables

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

Dairy & Seasonings

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping the vegetables and steak by dicing them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking later.
2. Cook pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside in a warm place.
3. Cook steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced beef steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
5. Make cheese sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low in the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the whole milk, then gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese fully melts and produces a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Combine everything: Gently fold the cooked steak and the drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and heated through, which should take a minute or two.
7. Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese onto serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with chopped green onions to add a fresh, bright note. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your cozy, flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can swap elbow macaroni with shells or penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
• For a lighter dish, substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or use almond milk instead of whole milk to make it dairy-free.
• Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Use tender steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and taste.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Chopped green onions add freshness but can be omitted if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso mac, creamy steak pasta, cheesy macaroni recipe, comfort food, cozy dinner