Ingredients:
- 4 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick, approximately 250g each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (225g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
- 2 cups milk (480ml), preferably whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk while whisking; simmer until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika; mix to combine.
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish; set aside.
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Add garlic and herbs (if using) to the oil.
- Sear steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Allow resting for 5 minutes before serving.
- Preheat oven to broil.
- (Optional) Broil mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes until golden on top.
- Slice the steak and serve alongside or atop the mac and cheese.