Whoever said meal prep has to be boring clearly never met this absolute heavyweight of a dish. These Garlic Steak Bites with Mac and Cheese bring serious energy to your weekly lineup—tender seared steak cubes, rich garlic-butter flavor, and a creamy, cheesy mac that could hold its own in a BBQ cookoff. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you forget you’re tracking macros, because somehow, this flavor bomb still clocks in with sky-high protein and just the right balance of carbs and fat.
Each bite of steak is pan-seared to perfection, soaked in garlic and herb butter until it’s got that melt-in-your-mouth texture and a caramelized crust that’s borderline addictive. Then you pair it with a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese built with real shredded cheese and no shortcuts. This isn’t your powdered-packet boxed stuff—it’s grown-up mac, and it’s ready to throw down. Whether you’re fueling up after a heavy lift or just looking for a reason to actually look forward to lunch, this combo overdelivers.
Best part? It meal preps like a champ. Four portions, all sealed and ready to reheat without losing flavor or texture. You can eat it straight from the container like a savage or plate it up and pretend you’re dining in a steakhouse. Either way, it’s got cheat-meal energy without the aftermath. Go ahead and flex on your future self—this one’s a full send.
Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
- 1/2 cluster garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard optional
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.2 cups elbow macaroni
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the steak cubes with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.2 pounds sirloin steak, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch jumbo cast iron or jumbo cooker over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer- you will need to do this in batches or utilize multiple pans.2 tbsp olive oil
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. I err on the side of cooked through for meal prepping purposes, though I do love a rare steak. Anyways, remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, & chili flakes.1/2 cluster garlic, 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss the cooked steak bites back into the pan and coat with the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.2 cups milk
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix until melted and creamy.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp ground mustard, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Divide the mac & cheese into four meal prep containers, topping each with garlic steak bites. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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❤️ Why You’ll Love These Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese
Let’s be honest—this one is absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. With a ridiculous 83g of protein and over 1,100 calories per serving, this meal prep doesn’t mess around.
It starts with seared, juicy garlic butter steak bites—rich, savory, and addictive. Then it’s paired with an ultra-creamy mac & cheese that uses both cheddar and mozzarella for maximum gooeyness. This is bulk season in a bowl. And yet somehow, it reheats like a champ.
Whether you’re lifting heavy or just living large, this is the kind of recipe that puts other meal preps to shame.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
Level it up—or slim it down. Your call:
💥 Protein Swaps
Try it with chicken breast, shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based steak for flexibility.
💥 Lower the Fat
Use reduced-fat milk and light shredded cheese to cut down on the calories while keeping it creamy.
💥 Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free elbow noodles and replace the roux with a cornstarch slurry.
💥 Add a Veggie Element
Stir in roasted broccoli, caramelized onions, or wilted spinach for extra nutrients.
💥 Crank Up the Heat
Add extra chili flakes, hot sauce, or a splash of sriracha to bring the spice.
🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Steak Mac & Cheese
Prep like a pro with these no-fail tips:
🔥 Use a HOT pan
You want those steak bites to sear not steam. Work in batches if needed.
🔥 Rest your meat
Let the steak rest after cooking—it’ll hold onto its juices better when reheated.
🔥 Whisk the roux
Don’t rush the flour/butter base. Whisk it smooth, then slowly add milk for that velvety sauce.
🔥 Fresh shred > pre-shred
Grating your own cheese = ultra creamy melt with no chalky weirdness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This recipe is built to handle fridge time and still slap on Day 4.
🥡 Storage
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Keep garnishes separate.
🔥 Reheating
Microwave in 90-second bursts, stirring between rounds. Add a splash of milk to revive the mac’s creaminess.
🍽️ What to Pair It With
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- A simple house salad with balsamic
- A few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce or Frank’s RedHot
🧄 Garnish Ideas
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Bacon bits or crispy shallots
- Extra cheese & red pepper flakes
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Totally. Flank steak, strip, or even ribeye will all work—just adjust the sear time based on thickness.
Is this too indulgent for meal prep?
It’s definitely rich, but if you’re hitting big fitness goals or need higher-calorie meals, it’s ideal. For a leaner prep, reduce the cheese and use chicken.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! Freeze portions in airtight containers. Reheat gently with milk to bring the mac & cheese back to life.
Do I need both cheeses?
You can technically use just cheddar, but the cheddar/mozzarella combo gives you the perfect creamy-pull texture.
What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow, shells, cavatappi, or penne—anything with some texture to grab that cheesy sauce.
🥩 More Beef Recipes Worth a Spot in Your Rotation
Here’s your next lineup of macro-packed beef bangers:
- Mongolian Meatballs with Jasmine Rice
- Kung Pao Beef with Noodles
- Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls
- The Best Marinated Steak Meal Prep
- Southwest Steak Burrito Bowl
💭 Want to see how I build a flexible, high-protein prep plan that fits real life?
🔗 Check out my full meal prep strategy here.