There’s something irresistible about a dish that combines the richness of steak with the creamy indulgence of Parmesan. That’s exactly what you get with these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Tender, juicy steak bites coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce—this dish is the perfect balance of savory and luxurious.
This recipe came together during one of those “I want something special, but I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen” days. And let me tell you, this meal delivers! The best part? It’s so simple to prepare, but it feels like you’re indulging in a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Step 1: Cooking the Steak Bites
First, we need to focus on getting the steak perfectly seared and full of flavor. Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This oil will help sear the steak bites, giving them that golden, crispy exterior we all love.
Once the skillet is nice and hot, toss in 1 pound of beef steak, cut into bite-sized cubes. This is where the magic happens! Season the steak with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried rosemary. The rosemary adds a subtle herby aroma and depth to the flavor of the steak. You can definitely experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano, but rosemary is a personal favorite because it pairs so well with beef.
Cook the steak cubes for about 3-5 minutes per side. You want to sear them until they’re browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Personally, I love my steak medium-rare, so that’s usually around 3 minutes per side for the perfect juicy bite. But feel free to cook them a little longer if you prefer your steak well-done.
Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection, take them out of the skillet and set them aside. You’ll be bringing them back into the pan later, but for now, we’re going to turn our attention to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 2: Creating the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, with all that delicious steak flavor still lingering, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This is where the creamy magic begins!
Once the butter has melted, add in 1 clove of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. There’s something so comforting about the smell of garlic sautéing in butter—it’s like an invitation to something wonderful.
Now, it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken up and become rich. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. The key to a silky smooth sauce is gentle heat and constant stirring.
At this point, it’s time to add in the star ingredient—the Parmesan cheese. Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I really recommend freshly grated Parmesan, as it melts so much better and adds a creamier texture to the sauce. If you use pre-grated Parmesan, the sauce might not be as smooth. Along with the cheese, add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to taste.
Continue to cook the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens up. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. This is a creamy sauce, after all—not glue!
Once the sauce is thickened and oh-so-creamy, it’s time to bring back those perfectly cooked steak bites. Toss the steak back into the skillet, making sure every piece gets generously coated with the Parmesan cream sauce. Let the steak bites simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, just long enough to allow all the flavors to combine and intensify.
The result? Tender steak bites smothered in the most decadent, cheesy sauce imaginable.
Now that your steak bites are smothered in that creamy Parmesan sauce, we’re almost there! But before we dive into the final touches, let’s talk about a few ways to elevate this dish even further. From simple tips to optional variations, I’ve got you covered!
Step 3: Bringing Everything Together
At this point, your steak bites are coated in the creamy sauce and ready to be served. But let’s take a minute to make sure everything is just perfect before you plate it up. Once your steak is simmering in that rich sauce for about 2 minutes, make sure to give everything a final taste check. Sometimes, depending on how much salt your steak absorbed earlier or how salty your Parmesan is, you might want to add a little extra seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can go a long way in bringing out the flavors.
Also, don’t skip this part—make sure you give the sauce a good stir to keep everything smooth and well combined. The sauce should be creamy, glossy, and coat the steak perfectly. This is what will make each bite absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Garnishing for the Perfect Finish
Now, let’s add a little freshness to this rich and savory dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the top of your steak bites. Not only does the bright green color pop against the creamy sauce, but the parsley also adds a bit of freshness that cuts through all the richness. It’s the perfect contrast and brings the whole dish together.
You can also add a little more grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch (because why not?). A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you’re into that, or if you prefer something milder, a light sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors even more.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan cream sauce, there are so many options. For a complete meal, I recommend pairing them with a simple side like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The rich sauce makes the perfect dipping opportunity for crusty bread, too, so don’t forget to have a loaf ready!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, mashed potatoes or rice would be the perfect accompaniments. You’ll want something to soak up that incredible creamy sauce, and these side dishes will do just that. But don’t feel like you have to follow these suggestions to a T—go with what you enjoy! This dish is incredibly versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a great option for any meal.
A Few Helpful Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Don’t overcook the steak: Steak bites cook quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. Since you’re searing them in a hot skillet, they’ll continue to cook a little bit after you take them off the heat. You can always cut into one to check if it’s done to your liking, but I recommend a quick 3-4 minutes per side for that perfect medium-rare.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: I can’t stress this enough! Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully into the sauce and give it a silky, smooth texture. Pre-grated Parmesan tends to be a bit drier and doesn’t melt as well, which could leave your sauce a little less creamy.
- Add garlic to taste: If you’re a garlic lover, you can always bump up the garlic in the sauce. A little extra minced garlic will give the sauce even more flavor, making it rich and fragrant.
- Make it a one-pan meal: This recipe is already pretty simple, but if you want to make it even easier, consider adding some veggies right into the skillet with the steak. Mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli would be great additions, and they’ll soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Control the sauce consistency: If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, just add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. On the flip side, if the sauce is too runny, keep simmering it on low heat to thicken it up a little more.
With these tips and tricks in your back pocket, you’re all set to make this dish even better than you imagined!
FAQ Section and Conclusion:
We’ve walked through all the steps for making these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, and I hope you’re as excited to try them as I was when I first made this dish. But I know you might still have a few questions before you jump in, so let’s go over some of the most common ones to make sure you feel confident in the kitchen.
- Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend a tender cut of beef like sirloin or ribeye, you can definitely use other cuts of steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts, like flank steak or skirt steak, may need to be cooked a bit longer and might not be as tender. Whatever cut you choose, make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. - Can I make this dish in advance?
While steak bites are best served fresh, you can make the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat and toss in the cooked steak bites to warm everything through. Keep in mind that the sauce might thicken slightly in the fridge, so you may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. - What can I use instead of heavy cream in the sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free version, you can try using coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like cashew milk, though the flavor may vary slightly. - Can I make the sauce spicier?
Of course! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic. You can also toss in some fresh chili slices or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up. Be sure to start small and taste as you go—you can always add more, but it’s hard to dial it back once it’s too spicy. - How can I make the steak bites even more flavorful?
For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites for about 30 minutes before cooking them. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and a little bit of honey will add an extra layer of richness. If you don’t have time for a marinade, a good seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs (like rosemary or thyme) will still give you great results. - Can I make this recipe without the Parmesan?
Yes, you can! While Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or even a bit of mozzarella. Each will give the sauce a different flavor profile, but the creamy texture will still shine through. - What’s a good side dish to serve with these steak bites?
There are so many great options to pair with this dish! Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles are all excellent choices. If you’re looking to keep things simple, some warm, crusty bread for dipping into that creamy sauce is always a hit.
Conclusion:
And there you have it—the perfect recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a luxurious dinner, or just enjoy something rich and savory, this dish has you covered. With the tender steak bites, creamy sauce, and just a touch of fresh parsley for color, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can make it your own by adjusting the seasonings, experimenting with different cuts of beef, or adding your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, heat up that olive oil, and get ready for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear how it turns out—don’t forget to leave a comment or share your own twist on this recipe! Happy cooking!
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are cooked to perfection and served with a creamy Parmesan sauce that takes them to the next level. With a garlicky butter sauce and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is the ultimate indulgence for steak lovers!
For the Steak Bites:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1️⃣ Prepare the Steak Bites:
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary or thyme, if using.
2️⃣ Cook the Steak Bites:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4️⃣ Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5️⃣ Add the Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, continuing to cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Combine Steak and Sauce:
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the steak to absorb the sauce.
7️⃣ Serve:
Serve the garlic butter steak bites immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal!
Notes
Steak Options: You can use any cut of steak you prefer, such as ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin. Ribeye will give you the richest flavor, while sirloin is a leaner option.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Make it Lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less creamy.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min