Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious, this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy steak slices mingling with creamy, cheesy macaroni that’s baked to perfection with a golden crust on top — it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love making this for family dinners or when friends come over because it’s impressive without being complicated.

What makes this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe stand out is the blend of bold flavors from a custom cowboy butter rub on the steak paired with the richness of sharp cheddar and mozzarella in the mac and cheese. This combo delivers the indulgence of steakhouse dinner and classic mac & cheese all in one. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to for cozy nights or even special occasions.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together to create layers of rich flavors and textures. I always recommend getting good quality steak and sharp cheeses for the best results — it really makes a difference in the final dish.

• Favorite Steaks: Choose cuts like ribeye or sirloin for tenderness and flavor.
• Cowboy Butter Rub: This homemade or store-bought rub adds that signature savory spice to the steak and cheese sauce.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when garnishing.
• Canola Oil: Useful for coating steak to help seasoning stick and for cooking.
• Macaroni Elbows: Classic choice that holds creamy sauce well.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings that signature sharpness to the mac and cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy meltiness and stretch.
• Whole Milk: Creates a luscious cheese sauce base.
• Bacon Bits: Adds smoky, crunchy contrast in every bite.
• All Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: The base for a rich roux and helps meld flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Subtle tang that elevates the cheese sauce complexity.

Variations

I love that this Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe is super flexible — you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations I’ve tried and enjoyed:

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce gives the whole dish a wonderful heat that balances the richness.
• Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for pepper jack or gouda for a smokier flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the steak and add roasted mushrooms or grilled veggies with the same cowboy rub for a hearty vegetarian take.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend in the roux to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How to Make Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Season and Grill Your Steak

Start by slathering your steaks with canola oil—this helps the cowboy butter rub stick and forms a beautiful crust when grilled. Then, generously coat both sides with the rub. Preheat your grill to a high heat, around 400°F, to get that sear you want. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches about 120°F for medium-rare. Don’t rush this step because resting your steak after grilling lets the juices redistribute, making each bite super juicy and tender. Once rested, slice it thinly into bite-sized pieces—this helps it meld perfectly with your mac and cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce on the Grill

Using a separate skillet on the grill, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the cowboy butter rub until it forms a savory paste. Then, slowly whisk in about 75% of your whole milk in batches, allowing the mixture to thicken before adding more. This slow addition prevents lumps and creates a smooth base. Once thickened, stir in Dijon mustard for a subtle tang, then add your sharp cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese melts smoothly. Add the remaining milk at the end if the sauce feels too thick—remember, you want it creamy, not gloopy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

In a separate skillet or mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni elbows with about two-thirds of the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is coated. Transfer this cheesy macaroni into an oven-safe dish or skillet, then layer on your thin steak slices and sprinkle bacon bits over the top. Finish by smothering everything with the remaining cheese sauce and extra shredded cheese to create that irresistible crust. Pop it into a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes — this step not only heats everything through but gives you that beautiful golden crust that makes mac and cheese so crave-worthy. Once out, sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness and color before serving.

How to Serve Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my Steak Mac and Cheese with freshly chopped parsley for a hit of freshness and a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a touch of crispy fried onions or extra bacon bits on top for added crunch and flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Side Dishes

This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or steamed green beans with lemon. If you want to keep the comfort food vibe going, roasted brussels sprouts or garlic bread works wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a crowd, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—everyone gets their own crispy, cheesy crust. For holiday dinners, adding a drizzle of truffle oil on top before serving gives it a luxe touch that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s great for making ahead and enjoying later.

Freezing

You can freeze Steak Mac and Cheese, but I recommend freezing before baking to avoid a soggy crust later. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture, removing the foil near the end to crisp the top again. Microwave works in a pinch but the oven preserves texture much better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines the best of both worlds — rich, cheesy comfort food and flavorful, tender steak. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is truly approachable to make. I can’t recommend trying it enough, whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to shake up your mac and cheese routine. Cooking it feels like treating yourself and your loved ones to something really special, and honestly, that’s what food is all about.

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