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Recipe b400e9929d

Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac

A comforting and indulgent mac and cheese recipe featuring tender steak, pepper jack cheese, and colorful bell peppers, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dairy

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Elbows hold cheesy sauce well.
  • 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese Pepper Jack gives heat and body.
  • 1 cup whole milk Use cream for a richer texture.

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb diced beef steak Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye.
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers Mix colors for sweetness.
  • 1 medium diced onion Yellow or white onion gives depth.
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions For garnish.

Oils and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing steak.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder For reliable flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder For reliable flavor.
  • to taste salt and pepper Season at each stage.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop the peppers and onion, shred the cheese (if using a block), and dice the steak into roughly 1/2-inch cubes.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Steak

  • Heat a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
  • When the oil starts to shimmer, toss in the steak cubes in a single layer. Don't move them initially to ensure a crust forms.
  • After about 2–3 minutes, stir the steak to brown the other sides and season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the steak to a plate and keep warm.

Cooking Vegetables and Making Sauce

  • In the same pan, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Add garlic powder and onion powder, stirring for a minute to toast the spices.
  • Turn heat to medium-low and pour in the milk slowly, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Slowly sprinkle in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, stirring steadily until melted. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Final Assembly

  • Add the cooked pasta and the steak back into the pan, folding gently until everything is coated in sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Toss in chopped green onions for freshness.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions.

Notes

For added texture, consider adding toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Dinner, High Protein Meal, Steak Mac and Cheese
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