Venison Philly Cheesesteak Mac ’n’ Cheese
Cheesesteaks and mac ’n’ cheese combine to form what just might be the ultimate comfort food
Print RecipeCompile a list of your favorite comfort foods. If it’s anything like mine, it will include mac ’n’ cheese and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. This recipe combines the two for the ultimate in comfort food. Top it with French's French Fried Onions for a bit of crunch and a lot of extra flavor.
You can make this with ground venison, but I prefer the texture of diced bits of steak in the finished product. The combination of venison, peppers, onions, and cheesy pasta turn this traditional side into a complete meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow or penne pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
16 ounces venison steak or roast, cut into small bites
3 tablespoons butter
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups provolone cheese, freshly grated
2 cups American cheese, freshly grated
Topping
3 ounces French’s French Fried Onions
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small bits
Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fill large pot with water and 2 teaspoons salt and prepare the macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat, add the oil. Add venison and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is mostly browned, but don’t worry if a small bit of pink remains. The meat will finish cooking as the pasta bakes. Remove venison to a warm plate and set aside.
Melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add onions and green pepper and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until browned. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, mustard, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Stirring constantly, continue to cook for 6 to 8 minutes until nice and thick. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of the cheeses (reserve remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping). Stir until cheese is melted.
Add pasta and the meat.
Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses and the slightly crumbled onion bits. Dot the top with butter. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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