Name: Steak Pepper Jack Queso: 5 Bold Comfort Food Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 pound beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix); 1 cup diced onion; 2 cups pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

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Steak Pepper Jack Queso is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender steak, sautéed peppers, and a creamy, spicy pepper jack cheese sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that satisfies your cravings for rich flavors and comforting textures. With its unique blend of ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty appetizer, this steak queso is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Steak Pepper Jack Queso

This dish is packed with flavor and offers numerous reasons to love it. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal in just 35 minutes. You’ll appreciate the following benefits:

Rich, creamy texture from the pepper jack cheese sauce.
Perfect for family dinners or as a steak cheese dip at gatherings.
Offers a spicy kick, making it a standout choice for spice lovers.
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
Great for meal prep; leftovers can be stored and reheated easily.
It’s gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets (JSON.Details.Diet).

Ingredients for Steak Pepper Jack Queso

Gather these items:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 pound beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
1 cup diced onion
2 cups pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

How to Make Steak Pepper Jack Queso Step-by-Step

Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the diced steak in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides brown. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the whole milk into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder. Begin adding the freshly shredded pepper jack cheese one small handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add the cooked steak and drained macaroni to the skillet. Fold everything together gently until evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Scoop into serving bowls and top with chopped green onions. Serve hot immediately.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Steak Pepper Jack Queso

Keep these in mind:

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less pepper jack cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Consider adding jalapeños for an extra kick in your spicy cheese dip with steak.

Best Ways to Serve Steak Pepper Jack Queso

This dish can be served in multiple ways:

As a main course, paired with a fresh salad.
As a creamy steak and cheese appetizer at parties.
With tortilla chips for a fun, interactive experience.

How to Store and Reheat Steak Pepper Jack Queso

To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture of the homemade pepper jack queso sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Pepper Jack Queso

What’s the secret to perfect Steak Pepper Jack Queso?

The secret lies in using freshly shredded cheese to achieve that creamy texture and rich flavor. Plus, sautéing the peppers and onions in the steak drippings adds depth to the queso with steak and peppers.

Can I make Steak Pepper Jack Queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steak and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine and reheat before serving for a quick meal!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Steak Pepper Jack Queso?

To avoid common mistakes, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak, as this can cause it to steam instead of sear. Also, keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent clumping.

Variations of Steak Pepper Jack Queso You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations:

Substitute ground beef for steak for a different texture in your queso dip with ground steak.
Add more vegetables like corn or black beans for a heartier dish.
Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of steak, and keep the pepper jack cheese sauce as is.

Steak Pepper Jack Queso: 5 Bold Comfort Food Ideas - Steak Pepper Jack Queso - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making baked chocolate oatmeal bars for dessert!

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For more information on the health benefits of cheese, you can visit Healthline.

To learn more about meal prep ideas, check out our cheesy chicken noodle soup recipe!