Buttered Herb Steak & Mac Skillet

Buttered Herb Steak & Mac Skillet combines juicy, bite-sized steak with creamy, cheesy macaroni and a rich garlic-herb butter sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet for an easy, hearty dinner that feels like steakhouse comfort food without the fuss.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Steak

• 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Mac & Cheese

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Finishing

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• Extra Parmesan for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels.

Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the steak in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Return the steak to the skillet and toss it through the garlic butter.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, then transfer the steak back to the plate.

4. Cook the Macaroni

Do not clean the skillet—the browned bits left behind add extra flavor.

Add the uncooked macaroni, beef broth, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook uncovered for 9–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Make It Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low.

Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of milk.

6. Add the Steak

Return the garlic-butter steak to the skillet.

Gently fold the steak into the creamy macaroni.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes to warm everything through.

7. Finish the Skillet

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

💡 Tips for the Best Steak & Mac

• Sirloin works especially well because it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Pat the steak dry before seasoning to encourage better browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak. Work in batches if necessary.
• Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest sauce.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
• Let the steak rest briefly after searing before mixing it back into the pasta.

🧀 Easy Variations

Garlic Parmesan Steak Mac

Increase the Parmesan to ¾ cup and add an extra clove of garlic.

Spicy Steak Mac

Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and diced jalapeños.

Mushroom Steak Mac

Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms after cooking the steak, then continue with the recipe.

Bacon Steak Mac

Add 6 slices crispy crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.

Cajun Steak Mac

Replace the Italian seasoning with 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Pair this skillet with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted asparagus
• Simple garden salad

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the cheese sauce.

Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buttered Herb Steak & Mac Skillet delivers the best of both worlds—tender, garlic-buttered steak and ultra-creamy homemade mac and cheese. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and made in one skillet, making it a perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.