Description: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Jalapeño Ranch Cheddar Shells. Tender, juicy steak bites, infused with rich garlic butter, are nestled atop creamy, cheesy pasta shells, offering a delightful combination of savory and spicy flavors in every bite. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat.
Ingredients:
Steak Bites:
- 1 lb beef steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Jalapeño Ranch Cheddar Shells:
- 10 oz shell pasta (medium or large size)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing (high-quality, creamy)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or leave seeds for extra heat, finely diced)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste (optional, adjust after tasting)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste (optional, adjust after tasting)
- Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. Rinsing the pasta is optional, but if you do rinse, make sure to drain well to avoid a watery sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the steak bites. Pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned, this will avoid a burnt garlic flavor.
Step 4: Sear the Steak: Add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 5: Make the Jalapeño Ranch Cheddar Sauce: In the same skillet (without cleaning), reduce the heat to medium. Add the milk, ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, minced jalapeño, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Add the Cheddar Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Be mindful of the salt content in the ranch dressing and cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheddar sauce.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve: Divide the cheddar shells among serving plates. Top each serving with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and additional chopped jalapeño, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Jalapeño Ranch Cheddar Shells recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory garlic butter steak bites, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a hint of spicy jalapeño creates an unforgettable flavor experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, providing a warm, satisfying, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With a total time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is a convenient option for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table quickly.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by using different types of steak, cheeses, or adding other vegetables.
- Impressive Presentation: The combination of steak bites and cheesy shells creates a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette, to add a touch of freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious accompaniment to the steak bites and cheddar shells.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed corn on the cob is a classic pairing with steak and adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Steak: For the best results, use a tender cut of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak bites, as they will become tough and dry. Aim for medium-rare or medium doneness for the most tender and juicy results.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for the garlic butter.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing it. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Cook the steak bites just before serving for the best quality.
- Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is great, feel free to experiment with other cheeses in the sauce, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened, this will help ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Deglaze the Pan: Before adding the milk, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of beef broth or white wine after cooking the steak. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor to the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 650 kcal Protein: 40g Sodium: 800mg (depending on the ranch dressing and cheese used)
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Jalapeño Ranch Cheddar Shells is a delightful dish that combines the best of comfort food with a touch of sophistication. The combination of tender steak bites, creamy cheese sauce, and spicy jalapeño creates a memorable and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its ease of preparation and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute shell pasta with other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or cavatappi. Just make sure the pasta has ridges or grooves to hold the cheese sauce well.
- What if I don’t like jalapeños?
- If you’re not a fan of jalapeños, you can omit them altogether or substitute them with a milder pepper like bell pepper or poblano pepper. Alternatively, you can use a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a subtle touch of heat.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the steak bites with sautéed mushrooms, grilled tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- While it’s not ideal, you can freeze this dish, but the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
