There’s something so comforting about a hearty meal that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. This Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that you can whip up in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and it’s sure to create wonderful memories around your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams
- Fast: You can have the main components prepped and in the oven in about 20 minutes.
- Easy: It’s a simple “brown and bake” method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Giftable: This is a sturdy dish that travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or as a “get well soon” meal.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even people who think they don’t like cabbage usually fall in love with this creamy, cheesy version!
Ingredients
- For the Steak Fajitas
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas, for serving
- For the Creamy Mac & Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Candied Yams
- 2 large yams, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams
Now let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that your family will love.
For the Steak Fajitas
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Season the flank steak with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slice the rested steak and combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Serve with warm tortillas.
For the Creamy Mac & Cheese
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
For the Candied Yams
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, layer the sliced yams.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Pour the mixture over the yams.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized.
Serve the steak fajitas alongside the creamy mac & cheese and candied yams for a wholesome and delightful meal!
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few suggestions:
- Swap flank steak for chicken or even shrimp if you prefer.
- Add some black beans or corn to the fajitas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese in the mac & cheese, like gouda or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- For the yams, try adding a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak; this helps get a nice sear.
- Let the steak rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and tender.
- Feel free to prep the mac & cheese in advance; it reheats beautifully!
- Check the yams halfway through baking to ensure they don’t dry out.
How to Store Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams
If you have leftovers (which I hope you do, because they are delicious), you can store them in airtight containers. The fajitas and mac & cheese will last about 3-4 days in the fridge, while the candied yams can be stored for about a week. Just reheat everything in the oven or microwave before serving again!
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mac & cheese and candied yams in advance and just bake them on the day you plan to serve.
- Is this recipe spicy? The spice level is mild, but feel free to adjust the chili powder to your liking.
- What can I serve with this dish? A fresh salad or some guacamole would pair beautifully with this meal.
If you love discovering new recipes like this one, be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more delicious ideas!
Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams
There's something so comforting about a hearty meal that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. This Steak Fajita Plate with Creamy Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Step 2: Season the flank steak with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add sliced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Slice the rested steak and combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Serve with warm tortillas.
- Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Step 6: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 9: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 11: In a baking dish, layer the sliced yams.
- Step 12: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Pour the mixture over the yams.
- Step 13: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized.
Notes
If you have leftovers, you can store them in airtight containers. The fajitas and mac & cheese will last about 3-4 days in the fridge, while the candied yams can be stored for about a week.