Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Printable format)

Juicy steak cubes in garlic butter paired with creamy cheesy pasta shells for a flavorful weeknight meal.

# List of ingredients:

→ Steak Bites

01 - 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp kosher salt
04 - ½ tsp black pepper
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

→ Cheesy Shells

09 - 8 oz medium pasta shells
10 - 2 cups whole milk
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
13 - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - ½ tsp salt
16 - ¼ tsp black pepper
17 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and toss with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and any juices to the skillet, toss with garlic butter and chopped parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
05 - In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Add drained pasta shells and stir to coat evenly.
07 - Serve the garlic butter steak bites over cheesy pasta shells. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick one-pan steak bites and comforting cheesy shells make for an easy weeknight dinner
  • Kid-friendly, hearty, and full of bold flavors
02 -
  • Can substitute ribeye or strip steak for sirloin
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
03 -
  • For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta
  • Use a hot skillet and cook steak in batches to prevent steaming
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