Description

Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a rich and comforting macaroni dish featuring tender diced steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a creamy, spicy pepper jack cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this flavorful recipe combines hearty protein with a luscious cheese blend and a touch of warmth from garlic and onion powders, finished with fresh green onions for a pop of brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb Elbow Macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb Beef Steak, diced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
1 cup Onion, diced (or shallots for milder flavor)
Chopped Green Onions (for garnish)

Dairy and Liquids

2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
1 cup Whole Milk (or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative)

Seasonings and Oils

1 tbsp Olive Oil (or vegetable oil for lighter option)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
1 tsp Onion Powder (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prepare to cook the macaroni and steak.
Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Make the cheese sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and pour in whole milk. Gradually stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Combine everything: Gently fold the cooked steak and macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated and heated through.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates or bowls, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Use sirloin or ribeye steak for the most tender and flavorful result.
Feel free to swap elbow macaroni with shells or penne for a different texture.
Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk work well if dairy is a concern.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
This dish reheats well and is great for leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso mac, comfort food, cozy dinner, creamy mac and cheese with steak