Description

So you know how regular mac and cheese is already pretty much perfect? Well, what if we took it to an entirely different stratosphere by adding tender, juicy steak bites swimming in garlic butter? This Garlic Butter Steak Mac and Cheese is basically what happens when comfort food decides to get fancy but still wants to give you the biggest, warmest food hug of your life. We’re talking perfectly cooked steak pieces seared in garlic butter, the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese you’ve ever experienced, and enough garlic butter to make your kitchen smell like heaven for three days. This isn’t just dinner — this is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and wonder why you ever bothered with regular mac and cheese. Fair warning: this will absolutely ruin every other comfort food for you.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak:

1 1/2 lbs sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Garlic Butter Magic:

6 tbsp butter
6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi (the curly ones hold more cheese)
6 tbsp butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup extra Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Extra steak pieces for garnish (if you can resist eating them all)

Instructions

Step 1: Get That Pasta Going

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven).

Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Don’t rinse the pasta.

Step 2: Season That Beautiful Steak

Cut steak into 3/4-inch cubes — big enough to stay juicy but small enough to eat easily.

Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Let it sit at room temperature while you prep everything else.

Step 3: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add steak cubes in a single layer — don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of sear.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned but still pink inside.

Remove steak to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make That Legendary Garlic Butter

In the same skillet with all those beautiful steak drippings, reduce heat to medium-low.

Add 6 tbsp butter and let it melt slowly.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not brown.

Stir in parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.

Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Set aside.

Step 5: Build the Ultimate Cheese Sauce

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly (this is your roux).

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Cheese Sauce Heaven

Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.

Gradually add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, stirring until melted and silky.

Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Season with salt and white pepper. If too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.

Step 7: The Grand Assembly

Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until every noodle is coated.

Gently fold in about 3/4 of the garlic butter steak, saving the prettiest pieces for the top.

Transfer to a buttered 9×13 baking dish.

Top with remaining steak pieces, arranging them so they look gorgeous.

Step 8: That Golden Crispy Top

Mix panko, melted butter, and extra Parmesan in a bowl.

Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges and golden brown on top.

Let rest for 10 minutes (the hardest part of the whole recipe).

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

This is pretty much a complete meal, but a simple arugula salad cuts through all that richness beautifully.

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of cheesy goodness.

A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs amazingly with the steak.

Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts add some green to balance the indulgence.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~720 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~42g
Protein: ~35g