Steak & Crispy Onion Cheddar Pasta Bake
This Steak & Crispy Onion Cheddar Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender steak and crispy onions for a flavor-packed meal.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne or rotini
- 1 lb steak sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized steak pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear until browned on all sides but still tender inside, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook on medium heat, stirring often, until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove half of the onions for topping later.
- To the skillet with the remaining onions, pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seared steak pieces, chopped spinach, crumbled turkey bacon, and creamy cheddar sauce with onions. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved crispy onions evenly over the top for an irresistible crunch. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Cheese grater
Notes
- For extra crispy onions, cook slowly on medium to medium-low heat and pat dry on paper towels after cooking.
- You can prepare the pasta bake ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; add crispy onions just before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.