Juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter. Gooey, cheesy mac & cheese. Together, they’re everything you didn’t know you needed in a meal prep. At 1135 calories and a massive 83g of protein per serving, this meal prep is a beast—but let’s be real, bulking season demands it. Leg day is a lot more tolerable when you know you’re going home to a meal like this. Get your skillet ready; this one’s going to be a new favorite.
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
Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for meal prep enthusiasts. Packed with 83g of protein per serving, this recipe combines juicy, garlic butter-coated steak bites with creamy, cheesy mac & cheese. Perfect for bulking, this high-calorie meal offers a mouthwatering balance of flavor and macros, keeping you fueled and satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or just starting your fitness journey, this recipe is easy to make and ideal for weekday lunches or dinners.
The secret to this dish’s rich flavor lies in its combination of tender, seared steak bites and a silky cheese sauce made with cheddar and mozzarella. Paired with elbow macaroni, this recipe ensures that each bite is a perfect mix of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness. Plus, with meal prep instructions included, storing and reheating is a breeze—just refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Looking for more high-protein recipes like this? Explore our collection of macro-friendly dishes designed to help you crush your fitness goals without sacrificing taste.