Tender Steak Bites with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Here’s a recipe for Tender Steak Bites with Creamy Mac and Cheese, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal!

Tender Steak Bites:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches). Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and thyme (or rosemary). Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Coat the steak bites: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside while you prepare the mac and cheese.

Creamy Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
3. Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a richer flavor, stir in the Parmesan.
5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated and creamy.

Serving:

Plate the tender steak bites next to or on top of the creamy mac and cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley. For an extra touch, drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the steak bites.

Enjoy your delicious Tender Steak Bites with Creamy Mac and Cheese!