Description
Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. This creamy mac and cheese features tender diced beef steak, sautéed bell peppers, and onions blended into a smooth pepper jack cheese sauce served over classic elbow macaroni. The combination of spicy cheese, savory steak, and vibrant vegetables creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
Protein
- 1 lb Beef Steak, diced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Whole Milk
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by dicing the beef steak, bell peppers, and onions, shredding the pepper jack cheese, and chopping green onions for garnish.
- Cook Pasta: 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 for later use.
- Cook Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the steak is browned on all sides and cooked through, roughly 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 for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and developed flavor.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the whole milk. Gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese while stirring continuously. Cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked steak and elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates or into bowls, then garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with shells or penne for a different pasta shape.
- Tender cuts of steak like sirloin or ribeye work best for juicy, flavorful pieces.
- Vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil for a lighter option.
- Shallots may be swapped in for onions if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for stronger garlic flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste as you cook.
- Chopped green onions are optional but recommended to enhance presentation and add freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso mac, creamy mac and cheese, beef steak recipe, comfort food, stovetop mac and cheese, cheesy pasta with steak
