Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac combines tender diced beef steak, a creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a delicious one-skillet comfort meal that is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni & Steak
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound beef steak diced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or mixed)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Additional 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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the whole milk into the skillet with the vegetables. Gradually stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked steak and elbow macaroni back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until pasta is evenly coated and steak and vegetables are well distributed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Shred pepper jack cheese finely for a smoother sauce instead of using pre-shredded.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking steak to ensure it sears properly and stays tender.
- After draining, rinse pasta with warm water or toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Keywords: steak mac and cheese, pepper jack mac and cheese, creamy queso mac, quick stovetop mac and cheese, beef macaroni recipe
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/steak-and-pepper-jack-queso-mac-recipe/
