Garlic Butter Steak Mac

Garlic butter steak mac and cheese is what I cook when my family needs something filling and comforting in a hurry. Golden seared ribeye, buttery herb sauce, and supremely creamy cheese-smothered macaroni all get baked to perfection, finishing with a crunchy layer on top. Every bite brings back that warm, content feeling from our best Sunday dinners. Even on a weeknight, this recipe makes everyone happy at the table.

The first time I made this was on a busy evening after work. We hardly had any time, but this came together so fast and tasted just like something from a steakhouse. Everyone asked for seconds and there have been no leftovers since.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steak: Brings deep flavor and melts in your mouth Cube and look for marbling for max tenderness
• Cajun seasoning: Wakes up the steak with spice but does not overwhelm Pick a salt level you like
• Unsalted butter: Sets up a buttery, rich sauce High quality butter guarantees smoothness
• Fresh garlic: Makes the whole sauce aromatic and sharp Always mince fresh for strength
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final dish and makes it fragrant Go for flat leaf for a bit more texture
• More unsalted butter: Lays the foundation for the creamy cheese sauce Functions as the first step in the roux
• All purpose flour: Gives body to the cheese sauce Always use fresh so the mixture stays smooth
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Deepen the flavor and bring warmth Spanish smoked paprika gives sweet smoke notes
• Whole milk or evaporated milk and heavy cream: Combine for true creaminess Only use recently opened dairy for best sauce
• Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and keeps the sauce smooth Always shred fresh for best results
• Colby jack and sharp cheddar: Provide sharp tang and layering Always shred from blocks for perfect texture
• Macaroni: Holds sauce well and soaks up flavor Any short pasta works but macaroni is classic
• Salt and black pepper: Let you fine tune seasoning Always finish to taste with freshly ground pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak Bites:

Pat ribeye steak very dry with paper towels Cut into uniform cubes and put them in a bowl Add a splash of oil and Cajun seasoning Use your hands to massage in the spice so every side is coated Let it rest as you move to the next step

Sear the Steak:

Set a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat Wait until it is almost smoking Arrange steak cubes in a single layer Cook them without disturbing for about two or three minutes so you get a dark crust Flip pieces to sear the other side for just a minute more Scoop steak onto a plate so it stays juicy and does not cook further

Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

Turn heat to medium and drop in a big piece of butter Once partially melted stir in the minced fresh garlic Cook stirring for about one minute until you can smell the garlic and it turns golden brown Use your spoon to get up all the crispy bits from the bottom

Finish Steak Bites:

Return the seared steak along with any juices into the pan Toss everything until the steak is fully coated in the garlic butter Sprinkle in lots of freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness Remove from heat and keep covered so it stays warm

Make Cheese Sauce:

In another pot melt more butter over medium low Sprinkle in flour and whisk the two together Cook them for two minutes whisking well until the mixture smells nutty and pale tan color appears This makes a smooth sauce base

Season and Add Dairy:

Sprinkle in garlic powder and smoked paprika while the roux is cooking Stir regularly so the spices have time to bloom Pour in whole milk very slowly whisking so no lumps form Add heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth

Melt the Cheese:

Once sauce is hot and fully blended sprinkle in half the mozzarella colby jack and sharp cheddar a little at a time Stir with each addition so the cheese melts completely Keep going until the sauce is silky Add salt and pepper to taste

Finish the Macaroni:

Boil macaroni until just al dente then drain quickly Do not rinse Stir pasta right into the hot cheese sauce so every piece gets covered

Assemble and Bake:

Grease a baking dish and spread half of the cheesy macaroni in the bottom Sprinkle with a handful of reserved shredded cheeses Pour the rest of the mac and cheese on top and then add more mozzarella and cheddar all over the top for a bubbly finish

Bake and Broil:

Place dish in a preheated 350F oven Bake for twenty minutes until bubbling For a golden crispy top move the dish under the broiler for three to four minutes Watch closely to get the perfect golden brown

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Sharp cheddar always makes this dish irresistible for me. It ties everything together with its bold flavor. In my house we started a tradition of sprinkling even more cheddar on top just before baking because my sister wanted that extra bite. Now we all sneak a taste from the cheese pile before it goes into the oven.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently covered in the oven at 300 degrees to keep steak tender. For microwave reheating add a small splash of milk so the cheese sauce stays creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sirloin strip or stew meat instead of ribeye if you want to save or switch things up. Gouda or fontina will bring a new twist with a similar melt. A mix of smoked paprika cayenne garlic and onion powder makes a quick homemade Cajun seasoning in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

On its own this meal satisfies but pairing with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli balances all the rich flavors. A side of pickled onions adds a pop of sharpness that complements the cheeses so well and brings everything together.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Mac and cheese traces back to American and southern comfort food traditions while steak bites come from steakhouse favorites. Blending garlic herb butter and hearty cheese sauce brings together nostalgia and bold flavor making this perfect for any family occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep steak bites tender and juicy?

Choose well-marbled ribeye cut into even cubes and sear quickly over high heat to form a crust. Allow resting after cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.

→ What cheeses melt best in this dish?

A combination of mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar creates a creamy texture with balanced flavor and smooth melting consistency.

→ Can other pasta shapes replace macaroni?

Yes, small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well by holding the cheese sauce thoroughly and maintaining texture.

→ How to achieve a crispy cheese topping?

Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and finish under a broiler for a few minutes until golden and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the components in advance and refrigerate. Bake before serving and add a splash of milk when reheating to keep a creamy texture.

→ What side dishes complement this meal?

Crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread balance the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly.