Cajun Surf & Turf Mac Bowl

This bowl checks every box: juicy Cajun shrimp, tender seared steak, creamy homemade mac and cheese, and colorful peppers all piled together for a meal that’s bold, hearty, and completely satisfying. It’s surf and turf comfort food in one loaded bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Steak and shrimp together. Both get their own Cajun seasoning treatment for maximum flavor.
• Creamy homemade mac and cheese. A rich cheddar and mozzarella sauce forms the base of the bowl.
• Colorful, crisp peppers. They add freshness and crunch to balance the richness.
• A complete, filling meal. Everything you need is right there in one bowl.

Ingredients

Surf & Turf

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Extra cheese sauce for drizzling
• Chopped parsley

How to Make Cajun Surf & Turf Mac Bowl

1. Cook the pasta. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until creamy. Fold in the cooked macaroni.

3. Cook the steak. Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

4. Cook the shrimp. Season the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil and butter in the same skillet and cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and tender. Remove and set aside.

5. Sauté the peppers. Add the garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.

6. Build the bowl. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top with the sliced steak, Cajun shrimp, and sautéed peppers.

7. Finish and serve. Drizzle with extra cheese sauce, if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with grilled corn on the cob.

Tips for the Best Cajun Surf & Turf Mac Bowl

• Let the steak rest before slicing. This keeps the juices in the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. One to two minutes per side is enough; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
• Keep the peppers tender-crisp. Pulling them from the heat while they still have some bite adds nice texture contrast to the bowl.
• Whisk the flour and milk together gradually to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.

What to Serve with Cajun Surf & Turf Mac Bowls

Grilled corn on the cob is a natural pairing, and a simple green salad on the side adds freshness if you want to round out the meal further.

Frequently Asked Questions