Ultimate Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that will take your love for mac and cheese to a whole new level – Steak Mac and Cheese! This indulgent dish combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the savory goodness of juicy steak, creating a meal that is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Imagine tender, perfectly cooked steak nestled in a bed of creamy, cheesy macaroni, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This Steak Mac and Cheese recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a decadent meal, this Steak Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try. With just the right amount of seasoning and a touch of cowboy butter rub, each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Indulgent combination of savory steak and creamy mac and cheese
• Rich in protein from the steak and cheese
• Easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Combination: The savory and juicy steak pairs beautifully with the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese for a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
• Flavorful Seasonings: The cowboy butter rub seasoning adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to both the steak and the mac and cheese, taking this classic dish to a whole new level.
• Versatile: You can use your favorite cut of steak, whether it’s ribeye or strip steak, allowing you to customize the recipe to your preferences.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: This recipe takes the comforting and indulgent mac and cheese to a gourmet level by adding tender steak and bacon bits, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: While this dish may seem fancy, it’s actually quite simple to prepare, making it a great option for a special weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence.
• Impressive Presentation: The combination of steak and mac and cheese not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive, making it a great option for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this hearty and flavorful dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Ultimate Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Steak

• Canola oil for coating
• 2 favorite steaks (ribeye or strip steaks work great)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 3 tablespoons cowboy butter rub seasoning

Mac and Cheese Base

• 4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• ½ cup bacon bits
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1½ cups whole milk

Cheese Sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1½ tablespoons cowboy butter rub seasoning
• 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

How to Make Ultimate Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Steaks

Coat steaks with canola oil and cowboy butter rub seasoning. Allow to sit at room temperature as grill preheats.

Step 2: Heat the Grill

Preheat grill to high heat (around 400°F) ensuring the grates are clean.

Step 3: Grill the Steaks

Cook seasoned steaks on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 120°F for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after removing them from the grill.

Step 4: Slice the Steak

After resting, thinly slice the steaks into bite-sized pieces. Set aside and keep warm as you prepare the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Start the Cheese Sauce

Place a cast iron skillet on the grill and melt butter. Stir in flour until a paste forms, then add the cowboy butter rub seasoning.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Gradually whisk in most of the milk in small portions, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken after each addition.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Combine Dijon mustard with shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with remaining milk as needed.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

In a separate cast iron skillet, mix the cooked macaroni with two-thirds of the cheese sauce. Layer with sliced steak, bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, and the remaining sauce on top.

Step 9: Bake and Serve

Place the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes until a golden crust forms. Top with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the delicious Steak Mac and Cheese, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Transfer the dish to an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. Make sure to refrigerate the Steak Mac and Cheese promptly to prevent any bacterial growth. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the Steak Mac and Cheese in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to ensure even heating. Remember to stir the dish occasionally while reheating to distribute the heat evenly and maintain its creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess of the sauce. This will help you enjoy the flavors of the dish as if it was freshly made.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ribeye or strip steaks on hand, you can substitute them with other cuts such as sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.

For the cowboy butter rub seasoning, you can make your own by mixing together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This homemade seasoning blend will give a similar flavor profile to the dish.

If you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the steaks and bacon bits and instead add in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a flavorful alternative. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth or a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk in place of whole milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the grilled steaks and arranging them on top of the mac and cheese before serving. The juicy, flavorful steak will add a delicious twist to the classic comfort food dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Another fun idea is to serve the steak mac and cheese in individual cast iron skillets or mini cocottes for a rustic and charming presentation. Top each portion with a drizzle of cowboy butter sauce and a sprinkle of extra cheese before baking them in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Your guests will love digging into their own personal-sized servings of this indulgent and savory dish.

FAQs for Ultimate Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Question?

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Answer:

Yes, you can customize the cheese blend to your preference. Feel free to use different types of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda to create your own unique flavor profile.

Question?

Can I substitute the steaks with another protein?

Answer:

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of steak, you can substitute it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables to make a delicious protein-packed mac and cheese dish.

Question?

Is cowboy butter rub seasoning essential for this recipe?

Answer:

While cowboy butter rub seasoning adds a flavorful and savory kick to the dish, you can substitute it with your favorite steak seasoning blend or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar taste profile.

Conclusion

As you take your first bite of this creamy and indulgent Steak Mac and Cheese, you’ll be met with a burst of flavors that perfectly complement each other. The tender steak, savory cowboy butter rub, and gooey cheese sauce all come together to create a dish that is truly a feast for the senses.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the process of cooking delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and exploring new flavor combinations, so don’t be afraid to put your own twist on this Steak Mac and Cheese recipe. Share this dish with friends and family, and savor the moments spent around the table together. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Steak Mac and Cheese!