Steak Bites Mac and Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the Colby Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses and mix them together in a large bowl.

In a large pot, bring 2.5 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Once boiling, add the macaroni pasta and stir immediately. Cook for about 9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, start the cheese sauce. In a separate pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the melted butter and stir.

Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute until fully incorporated.

Slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the heavy whipping cream, until the sauce is smooth.

Stir in half of the shredded cheese mixture until it's completely melted into the sauce.

Season the sauce with the remaining 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.

Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a large pot or bowl, mixing until the pasta is fully coated.

Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture to a large cast-iron skillet. Top with half of the remaining shredded cheese.

Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top and sprinkle with the final layer of cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, switch the oven to a low broil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and garnish with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes.

While the mac and cheese bakes, prepare the steak. Cut the New York strip steaks into bite-sized chunks.

In a bowl, toss the steak chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning until well-coated.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate large skillet over high heat. Add the steak bites and sear on all sides until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Garnish with the remaining 1 teaspoon of parsley flakes.

Top the baked mac and cheese with the garlic butter steak bites and serve immediately.