Steak Mac and Cheese (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Steak

01 - 2 favorite steaks (ribeye or strip steaks work great)
02 - 3 tablespoons cowboy butter rub seasoning
03 - Canola oil for coating
04 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Mac and Cheese Base

05 - 4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
06 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
07 - 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
08 - 1½ cups whole milk
09 - ½ cup bacon bits

→ Cheese Sauce

10 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
11 - 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1½ tablespoons cowboy butter rub seasoning
13 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

# Instructions:

01 - Rub the steaks all over with canola oil, then coat generously with the cowboy butter rub seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature while the grill heats up.
02 - Fire up your grill to high heat, around 400°F. Make sure the grates are clean and ready for serious searing action.
03 - Place the seasoned steaks on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 120°F for medium-rare. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
04 - Once rested, slice the steaks very thin into bite-sized pieces. Set aside and keep warm while you work on the mac and cheese.
05 - Place a cast iron skillet on the grill. Add butter and flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until they form a paste. Mix in the cowboy butter rub seasoning.
06 - Slowly whisk in about three-quarters of the milk in small batches, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture thicken between each addition.
07 - Stir in the Dijon mustard, then gradually add all the shredded cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Thin with remaining milk as needed to get the perfect consistency.
08 - In another cast iron skillet, combine the cooked macaroni with two-thirds of the cheese sauce. Top with the sliced steak, bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and the remaining sauce.
09 - Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 10 minutes until you get a beautiful golden crust on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe combines two comfort food classics into one incredible dish that's perfect for special occasions.
02 - The cowboy butter rub adds a bold, savory flavor that complements both the steak and the cheese sauce.
03 - Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded makes a huge difference in how smooth your sauce turns out.
04 - Slicing the steak thin ensures it distributes evenly throughout the mac and cheese for the perfect bite every time.

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