Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe

Introduction

This Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese, featuring tender beef steak and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound beef steak (diced, choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix for color)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the whole milk to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese gradually, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked steak and macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated and the steak and veggies are evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar instead of pepper jack for a more classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Swap the steak for cooked chicken or sausage if preferred.
• To make it creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause the cheese sauce to separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, other pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well in this dish and hold the cheese sauce nicely.

How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?

Cook diced steak until browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye cook quickly and stay juicy.

Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

A rich and comforting Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac combines tender beef steak, creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, and colorful sautéed bell peppers and onions, all tossed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner or special occasion meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Steak and Vegetables

• 1 pound beef steak, diced (choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix for color)
• 1 cup diced onion

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the whole milk to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese gradually, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked steak and elbow macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated and the steak and veggies are evenly distributed.
6. Serve: Transfer the mac to serving bowls and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use a tender cut of beef like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
• To make the cheese sauce creamier, you can add a splash more milk as needed while melting the cheese.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk and cheese with reduced-fat alternatives.

Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso mac, creamy mac and cheese, beef pasta, skillet mac and cheese