Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/steak-and-pepper-jack-queso-mac-recipe/
