Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions

There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining the rich, savory flavors of a steakhouse meal with the comforting embrace of creamy macaroni and cheese. This Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions is exactly that—a hearty, flavorful dish that brings all the best elements of a classic steakhouse right to your dinner table. Packed with ground beef, smoky spices, luscious cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions and fresh scallions, this recipe transforms everyday elbow macaroni into a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish promises to be a standout star that everyone will rave about.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions stands out because it’s more than just mac and cheese. It’s a meal in itself, combining tender pasta with seasoned ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The addition of crispy fried onions adds a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the gooey, cheesy pasta. The use of smoked paprika and garlic and onion powders layers in depth and warmth, capturing that signature steakhouse flavor without needing a grill. Plus, the addition of scallions adds a fresh bite to balance out the richness. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for those nights when you want something familiar but special.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base. Be sure to use a good-quality, lean ground beef for the best results.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and adding a slight fruity richness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the meat’s flavor and complements the crispy onions topping.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth reminiscent of grilled steaks, adding complexity.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for a mild heat and aromatic punch.
• 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and tenderizes the pasta slightly.
• 1 cup whole milk: For creaminess and richness in the cheese sauce.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, the backbone of the cheesy sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and mild creaminess to the cheese blend.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: For tang and extra creaminess, balancing the beef’s savoriness.
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped: Fresh, slightly sharp flavor that brightens the dish.
• 1 cup crispy fried onions: The crowning glory—adds a crunchy, golden topping that’s irresistible.

Tools of the Trade

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the elbow macaroni to the perfect al dente texture.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: Needed to brown the ground beef and build flavor.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring the beef and mixing the mac and cheese together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise seasoning and consistent results.
• Cheese grater: Freshly shredding your cheddar and mozzarella will make the sauce melt beautifully.
• Baking dish (optional): If you prefer to bake your mac and cheese for a golden crust before topping with crispy onions.

Step-by-Step: Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Season the beef

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper over the browned beef. Stir to coat evenly, letting the spices toast slightly for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the cheese sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup whole milk to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine sour cream and scallions

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup chopped scallions to add creaminess and fresh flavor.

Step 6: Mix in the cooked macaroni

Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese and beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and everything is evenly combined.

Step 7: Add the crispy onions

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a serving dish or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes if you want a bubbly hot dish. Just before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions on top for that signature crunch.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Garnish with extra scallions if desired and serve this indulgent Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions immediately. It’s perfect alongside a fresh salad or some Honey Sriracha Coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• Instead of elbow macaroni, use small shell pasta or cavatappi to hold the sauce well.
• Ground turkey or chicken can substitute the ground beef for a leaner protein option.
• For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheddar and mozzarella alternatives.
• If crispy fried onions aren’t available, toasted breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and seasoning make a great crunchy topping.
• To add extra veggies, stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.

Things That Go Wrong

• Soggy crispy onions: Adding crispy fried onions too early or baking them leads to lost crunch. Always add just before serving.
• Overcooked pasta: Macaroni that’s too soft loses its bite and becomes mushy when mixed with sauce. Cook to al dente.
• Cheese sauce separation: High heat can cause the cheese to break or become grainy. Melt cheese gently over medium-low heat.
• Too dry or thick sauce: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash more milk or broth to loosen it up.
• Unbalanced seasoning: Don’t skip the smoked paprika and spices—they bring the signature steakhouse flavor that makes this dish special.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions can be prepared ahead of time. You can cook the macaroni, brown the beef, and make the cheese sauce up to 24 hours before serving. Simply combine everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. Add the crispy fried onions fresh to retain their crunch.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in a little milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide the best melt and flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for that creamy texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the robust steakhouse flavor.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the pasta and crispy onions will change upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the crispy onions and add them fresh after reheating.

What can I serve alongside this loaded mac?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. For extra flavor contrast, try some tangy or spicy sides such as Balsamic Peach Steak Kebabs.

More from the Kitchen

• Balsamic Peach Steak Kebabs – Juicy grilled steak skewers with a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Honey Sriracha Coleslaw – A spicy and sweet coleslaw that’s a perfect fresh side.
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – A creamy, tropical-inspired macaroni salad with pineapple and veggies.

Bring It Home

This Steakhouse Loaded Mac with Crispy Onions is a true comfort food classic with a gourmet twist. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of creamy cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crunchy onions brings a satisfying variety of textures and flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, proteins, or add-ins. Next time you crave something indulgent yet familiar, this loaded mac will hit the spot and leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the rich flavors and that unbeatable steakhouse vibe right in your own kitchen!

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