Who wants the recipe?👨‍🍳 High Protein Garlic Herb Steak Bites & Cajun Mac N Cheese🥩🧀

Ingredients

• 1 lb Sirloin Steak (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided, room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred for searing)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme (optional, adds aroma)
• to taste Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
• 2 Tbsp Butter (for roux, unsalted)
• 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (prefer 2% or whole for richness)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (adds extra creaminess)
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded, gives a mild heat)
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade blend)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for topping, toasted)
• 1 Tbsp Butter (for topping) (melted, mixed with panko)

Instructions

1. Prepare Steak Bites

   Pat the steak cubes dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Sear Steak Bites

   Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat, add olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. When foaming, add the steak cubes in a single layer; do not overcrowd. Sear 2‑3 minutes per side until browned but still pink inside.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

3. Finish Steak with Garlic Butter

   Add the minced garlic and remaining 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Toss the steak bites for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat and set aside.

   Time: PT2M

4. Cook Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook al dente according to package (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly under warm water.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

5. Make Roux

   In the saucepan melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

6. Create Cheese Sauce

   Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Simmer 3‑4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, pepper jack, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook until cheese melts and sauce is glossy.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: low

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

   Time: PT2M

8. Add Topping and Bake

   Mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 Tbsp melted butter; sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Bake in a pre‑heated 375°F oven for 12‑15 minutes, until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 375°F

9. Plate and Serve

   Divide the baked Cajun mac and cheese onto plates and top each serving with a generous spoonful of garlic‑butter steak bites. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

2 g