Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese
Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese brings full comfort-food payoff without blowing up your macros. Juicy, pan-seared steak soaked in garlic butter meets creamy, grown-up mac and cheese for a combo that tastes straight-up decadent. It meal preps beautifully, reheats like a dream, and delivers steakhouse vibes all week long.
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Per Serving – Makes 4
1135 Calories
83g P | 64g C | 59g F
How to Make Garlic Steak Bites with Mac & Cheese
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
Click Here For Recipe Notes & Meal Prep Tips
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Approx. 30 WW Points per serving, depending on your specific plan.
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
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.
Looking for more meals like this?
Browse my high-protein mac & cheese recipes built for meal prep and consistent macros.
This recipe exists because sometimes dinner should feel aggressive. Steak bites and mac & cheese isn’t subtle, and it wasn’t meant to be. This one delivers exactly what it promises. If this recipe scares you a little, it’s probably for you.