Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce (Print Version)
Flavorful Cajun steak tips paired with a rich, creamy cheesy rigatoni sauce. A hearty and satisfying dinner that brings a taste of the South to your table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Cajun
# Ingredients:
→ The Sizzling Steak Tips
01 -
1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ The Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni Foundation
04 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta
05 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
07 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Aromatic Enhancers & Finishing Touches
10 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
11 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
13 -
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin tips into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss the steak with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Set aside. Begin boiling a large pot of salted water for the 12 oz rigatoni pasta, preparing for your Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce.
02 -
Cook the 12 oz rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, and 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
03 -
Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the sautéed vegetables and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned beef sirloin tips to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, ensuring flavorful Cajun Steak Tips for your Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce.
04 -
Remove the cooked beef sirloin tips from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board. This ensures tender Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce. In the same skillet (do not clean), melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
05 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth into the roux until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 -
Stir the cooked rigatoni pasta and the sautéed vegetables (onion, bell pepper, garlic) into the cheesy sauce. Add 1 tsp hot sauce (optional) for an extra kick. Serve the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce immediately, topped with the rested steak tips and garnished with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra tender steak, let the sirloin tips come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing to ensure a good crust.
02 -
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend for the sauce. For the steak, flank steak or skirt steak can be good alternatives.
03 -
Store leftover rigatoni and steak separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to the pasta sauce if needed to restore creaminess.
04 -
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would complement the richness of this dish beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1025 kcal
Total Fat: 48 g
Total Carbohydrate: 75 g
Protein: 68 g