Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

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October 17, 2025

Garlic Butter Steak served with cheesy shells in cheddar sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce is a delightful meal perfect for the whole family. This dish combines the savory flavors of steak tips tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta shells.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce. It is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of steak and pasta makes for a filling meal that satisfies both protein and carb cravings. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

Here’s a simple guide on how to make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Steak served with cheesy shells in cheddar sauce
6733c0981cf28bc27d02b4367bd126f6Oliver Grant

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells

Seared garlic butter steak tips paired with creamy cheddar cheese pasta shells — this 30-minute comfort food dish is perfect for busy weeknights and indulgent dinners alike.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

  • lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
  • cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  3. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
  4. Sear the Steak: Pat the steak tips dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  5. Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  6. Combine Steak and Garlic: Return steak tips to the skillet, toss with garlic butter, stir in parsley, and optional red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve: Spoon cheddar shells onto a plate, top with steak tips, and garnish with extra parsley and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 38gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 420mgIron: 3mg

Notes

To save time, start boiling the pasta water while you prep the steak. For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips for 20 minutes in Worcestershire, garlic, and olive oil before cooking. Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce stirred into the cheese sauce.

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Directions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  3. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
  4. Sear the Steak: Pat the steak tips dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  5. Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  6. Combine Steak and Garlic: Return steak tips to the skillet, toss with garlic butter, stir in parsley, and optional red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve: Spoon cheddar shells onto a plate, top with steak tips, and garnish with extra parsley and pepper.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce hot for the best taste. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. Consider a glass of red wine to enhance the meal’s richness.

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

If you have leftovers, store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce

  • Use good quality steak for better flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
  • Add more veggies, such as bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition.

Variations

You can modify Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce by using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also swap the steak tips for chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta like penne or fusilli.

How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding more cheese or a splash of heavy cream will make the sauce even creamier.

Where can I buy the ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce?
You can find everything you need at your local grocery store or buy it here.

Enjoy preparing this comforting dish, perfect for any day of the week!

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