Description
Heavenly Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender diced steak, creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This recipe combines hearty protein with a spicy, smooth queso sauce to create an indulgent, cozy meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
Meat
- 1 lb Beef Steak, diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- Chopped Green Onions, for garnish
Dairy & Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prep by dicing the steak, bell peppers, and onions, and shredding the cheese to have everything ready.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in whole milk, then gradually add garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked steak and elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the mac and cheese mixture in bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with shells or penne for a different pasta shape.
- For a lighter option, use vegetable oil instead of olive oil and a low-fat milk alternative.
- Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder for more intense flavor.
- Shallots may replace onions for a milder taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking for perfect seasoning.
- Chopped green onions are optional but recommended for presentation and added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack queso, creamy mac and cheese, beef recipes, comfort food
