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Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe

Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe

This Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe is creamy, spicy, and loaded with steak, pepper jack cheese, and pasta for the ultimate comfort food meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk
  • Strainer
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Steak:

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Pasta:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Pepper Jack Queso Sauce:

  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Jalapeños
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Tortilla chips
  • Hot sauce drizzle

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—the starch helps the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

  • Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 3–5 minutes until browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.
  • This step is important—the browned bits left in the pan add flavor to the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Roux Base

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a light golden paste. This is the base that will thicken your queso sauce.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

  • Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. The mixture will slowly thicken into a silky base.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Into Queso

  • Lower the heat and add pepper jack and cheddar cheese gradually.
  • Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly stretchy.
  • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt.
  • At this point, you’ve officially created a rich queso-style sauce that is the heart of this Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add cooked macaroni into the queso sauce. Stir until every piece is fully coated in creamy cheese.

Step 7: Add the Steak

  • Fold in the seared steak pieces gently so they stay tender and juicy.
  • Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.

Step 8: Final Taste Check

  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a pinch of salt or a splash of hot sauce if you want more heat.

Step 9: Serve Hot

  • Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.
  • Top with jalapeños, cilantro, or crispy toppings if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
  • Keep heat low when adding cheese
  • Don’t overcook steak—it continues cooking in sauce
  • Warm milk prevents curdling
  • Stir constantly for silky texture
Keyword Steak & Pepper Jack Queso Mac Recipe