24-Garlic Butter Steak Bites amp,Creamy Mac amp ,Cheese

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe is a must-try. Tender, juicy steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce pair perfectly with homemade mac and cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen, and the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Mac & Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.

3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat.

Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.

2. Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Add the steak bites to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

4. In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and stir to coat the steak in garlic butter. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy mac and cheese onto plates and top with the buttery steak bites. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Mac & Cheese

1. Use high-quality steak like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.

2. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.

3. Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning to help with browning.

4. Use a hot skillet to get a perfect sear on the steak. Cast iron works best.

5. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook steak in batches if needed.

6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

7. Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth mac and cheese sauce.

8. Whisk constantly when making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps.

9. Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping in the sauce.

10. Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer mac and cheese.

11. For extra creaminess, stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream.

12. Season the cheese sauce well to enhance flavor.

13. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk.

14. For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before serving.

15. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.

16. For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the steak seasoning.

17. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or wine after cooking steak to enhance the sauce.

18. Use garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic for extra depth.

19. For a richer sauce, stir in a bit of Dijon mustard to the mac and cheese.

20. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

 Variations to Try

1. Spicy Steak Bites – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the steak seasoning.

2. Cheesy Bacon Mac – Stir crispy bacon into the mac and cheese.

3. Garlic Parmesan Steak – Toss cooked steak bites with grated Parmesan.

4. Smoky Mac & Cheese – Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a deep flavor.

5. Steak & Blue Cheese Mac – Replace some cheddar with crumbled blue cheese.

6. Creamy Alfredo Steak Pasta – Swap cheese sauce for Alfredo.

7. Loaded Mac & Cheese – Add caramelized onions, jalapeños, or mushrooms.

8. BBQ Steak Bites – Brush steak with barbecue sauce before serving.

9. Garlic Herb Butter Steak – Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary.

10. Buffalo Mac & Cheese – Mix buffalo sauce into the cheese sauce.

11. Tex-Mex Mac & Cheese – Add taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.

12. Honey Garlic Steak – Add honey to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet touch.

13. Ranch Mac & Cheese – Stir in ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

14. Philly Cheesesteak Mac – Use provolone and add sautéed onions and peppers.

15. Mushroom & Swiss Steak – Top steak bites with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.

16. Gourmet Truffle Mac – Drizzle with truffle oil for a rich finish.

17. Lemon Garlic Steak Bites – Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

18. Buffalo Steak Bites – Toss steak with buffalo sauce before serving.

19. Cheddar & Broccoli Mac – Stir steamed broccoli into the mac and cheese.

20. Four Cheese Mac – Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip all work well.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. What’s the best way to reheat steak bites?
Reheat in a hot skillet with butter for a few minutes.

4. How do I reheat mac and cheese?
Warm it on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the mac and cheese and steak separately, then reheat before serving.

6. Can I freeze mac and cheese?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

7. Can I freeze steak bites?
Yes, freeze cooked steak bites for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.

8. What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
Cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella are great choices.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli pair well with mac and cheese.

10. What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini hold the cheese sauce well.

11. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and flour.

12. Can I make this dairy-free?
Try dairy-free butter, cheese, and milk alternatives.

13. How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the sauce.

14. What can I serve with this dish?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement it well.

15. How do I make the steak extra tender?
Let it rest before cooking and slice against the grain.

16. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and is recommended.

17. What’s the best skillet for steak bites?
A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear.

18. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Try chicken breast or thighs.

19. Can I cook steak bites in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 400°F for about 7 minutes.

20. Can I make this spicier?
Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With crispy, juicy steak bites and ultra-creamy mac and cheese, this dish is the ultimate indulgence. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!