If you are craving a soul-satisfying dish that brilliantly combines comforting mac and cheese with hearty, flavorful steak, then you are in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy ribeye steak cubes coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy macaroni that’s baked to golden perfection. It’s a celebration of rich, bold flavors and a mix of textures that make every bite memorable and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe uses a carefully curated list of ingredients that are simple but essential. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and inviting colors that define this dish.
- Ribeye steak (1 lb): Well-marbled ribeye adds juicy tenderness and rich beef flavor in every bite.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): Helps create a beautiful sear on the steak without overpowering its natural taste.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp): Adds a perfectly balanced spicy kick, elevating the steak’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp total): Essential for the garlic butter sauce and the creamy cheese sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the butter with intense aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with steak and cheese.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): The backbone for creating a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Enhances the garlic flavor in the cheese sauce, layering in complexity.
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Adds subtle smoky warmth and a gorgeous hue to the sauce.
- Whole milk (1½ cups) and heavy cream (½ cup): These create the creamy, luscious base of the mac and cheese.
- Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses (1 cup each shredded): The dynamic trio that gives amazing melt, stretch, and sharp tang to the dish.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): Perfectly shaped pasta that holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Important to taste for seasoning everything just right.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Begin by patting your ribeye steak cubes completely dry; this step is critical for achieving that deep crust. Toss them in a bowl with vegetable oil to ensure even cooking and a light coating. Then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and massage it gently into the meat for bold flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat a skillet or cast iron pan on high until nearly smoking. Place steak cubes in a single layer without crowding, and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to form a crust. Flip them quickly to sear the other side, then remove the steak to a plate so it doesn’t overcook while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, and wait for it to melt completely. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about one minute. Scrape the pan to lift all those caramelized bits from the steak – this adds incredible flavor. Return the seared steak to the skillet and toss everything in the garlic butter, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before covering to keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce Base
In a separate saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux with a nutty aroma. Stir in half the garlic powder and smoked paprika for that signature punch, then slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is silky. Add heavy cream for extra richness, blending everything smoothly.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Add half of each shredded cheese – mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar – in small handfuls. Stir gently to melt before adding the next batch, ensuring a velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is what transforms your mac and cheese into a molten, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 6: Cook and Combine the Pasta
Prepare elbow macaroni according to package instructions, cooking just until al dente, then drain thoroughly without rinsing. Add the warm pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring carefully to make sure every piece is enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish, then spoon in half the macaroni and cheese. Layer with the remaining shredded cheese for extra cheesiness, top with the leftover macaroni mixture, and sprinkle additional mozzarella and cheddar for a crusty top layer. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling, then switch to broil for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Serve with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of extra garlic butter or a sharp cheddar crumble on top adds a beautiful finishing touch that makes this dish irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This rich and indulgent meal pairs wonderfully with something light and fresh like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables that add a lovely contrast in flavor and texture without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with cubes of garlic butter steak. Or scatter some crispy fried onions or even a handful of toasted breadcrumbs over the top before baking for that extra crunch and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go comfort meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through to preserve the creamy sauce and tender steak. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts stirring in between works fine for a quicker option, but you might lose some crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can substitute with sirloin or strip steak. Just be mindful to not overcook leaner cuts to avoid toughness.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
The combination of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar creates a balanced cheese sauce with meltiness, flavor, and bite. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for variation.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch for the roux. Also, ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can this Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe be made in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover the dish well, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, simply bake as instructed. This makes it perfect for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top on the mac and cheese?
After baking, switch your oven to broil for the last few minutes and watch carefully until the cheese turns golden and develops a crisp crust. Adding extra shredded cheese on top before baking enhances this effect beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that marries the richness of steak with creamy, flavorful mac and cheese, and this Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe does just that beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying, mouthwatering experience. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s a new favorite comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese is a decadent, hearty dish that combines tender, juicy ribeye steak with a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Infused with garlic and Cajun spices, and baked to perfection with a crispy cheesy crust, this comfort food favorite is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb ribeye steak, well-marbled, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (low salt preferred)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Pasta and Finishing
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Steak: Pat the ribeye steak cubes very dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and massage well to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until nearly smoking. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. Quickly flip and sear the other side, then remove the steak to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits from the pan to enhance flavor.
- Combine Steak with Garlic Butter: Return the seared steak and any juices to the skillet. Toss everything in the garlic butter to coat well. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top, then turn off the heat. Cover the pan and keep warm while preparing the mac and cheese sauce.
- Prepare Roux for Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and smells nutty, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Spices and Dairy: Stir in half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika into the roux. Slowly whisk in whole milk until the sauce is smooth with no lumps. Gently whisk in the heavy cream to combine evenly.
- Melt Cheese Into Sauce: Add half of each shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring well until fully melted before adding more cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse, to preserve starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the warm cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece of macaroni is evenly coated with creamy cheese.
- Assemble for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish, then spoon half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into it. Layer with the remaining shredded cheese, then spread the remaining macaroni and cheese on top. Finish by sprinkling extra mozzarella and cheddar on the surface for a crispy crust.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the assembled dish for 20 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Patting the steak dry is essential to get a nice sear.
- Do not rinse the macaroni after draining to help the sauce cling better.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Broiling at the end creates a wonderful crispy cheese crust—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.
