Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes & Rich Parmesan Sauce
A symphony of bold flavors and comforting textures, this dish features juicy, spice-crusted steak bites piled atop ultra-creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and drizzled with a luxuriously smooth Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 3–4 servings
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
· 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
· 4 cloves garlic, peeled
· ½ cup warm whole milk or heavy cream
· 4 tbsp unsalted butter
· 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese
· Salt and white or black pepper to taste
For the Cajun Steak Bites:
· 1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or see notes for homemade blend)
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 2 tbsp butter
· 2–3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
· 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
For the Rich Parmesan Sauce:
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 1½ cups warm whole milk
· ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· ¼ tsp garlic powder
· ¼ tsp onion powder
· Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
· Salt and white pepper to taste
Garnish:
· Fresh chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
· Place potatoes and garlic cloves in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15–20 minutes until tender.
· Drain well and return to the warm pot for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
· Mash until smooth. Stir in warm milk, butter, cheddar, and sour cream until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
- Make the Rich Parmesan Sauce
· Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden (this is a roux).
· Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
· Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
- Cook the Cajun Steak Bites
· Pat steak bites very dry and toss with Cajun seasoning.
· Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear steak in a single layer 1–2 minutes per side until well-browned.
· Reduce heat to medium; add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme. Spoon butter over steak for 1 more minute until cooked to your liking (125–130°F for medium-rare).
To Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with steak bites, and generously drizzle with Parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Chef’s Notes
· Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, ½ tsp each thyme, black pepper, and cayenne, and ¼ tsp salt.
· Steak Tip: Patting the steak dry ensures a perfect sear. Do not overcrowd the pan.
· Make Ahead: Potatoes and sauce can be made a day ahead; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal! 🥩🥔🧀