Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried packaged?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi cooks even faster (usually in a minute or two). Just watch closely so they don’t overcook and get mushy.

What’s the best cut of beef for steak bites?

Sirloin offers a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, but tenderloin is extra-luxe if you’re feeling fancy. Avoid tougher cuts—they won’t sear up as nicely.

Can I prep the steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just drain well before searing for that amazing crust.

Is it necessary to use Parmesan?

Not at all, but it brings a lovely nutty, savory finish. If you prefer, try Pecorino Romano or even crumble a little blue cheese over—delicious!

Steak Bites and Gnocchi Recipe

Sink your teeth into pure comfort with this Steak Bites and Gnocchi recipe—a deeply satisfying meal that comes together faster than you’d ever expect. Tender, succulent pieces of beef are marinated for rich, bold flavor, then seared to perfection and tossed with pillowy gnocchi and a whisper of garlicky butter. If you’re craving something hearty but pressed for time, this dish is about to become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Fast: From start to finish, you’re eating in just over 20 minutes (after marinating). It’s dinner magic for busy nights.
One Pan Perfection: Besides a quick pot for the gnocchi, everything happens in a skillet, so clean-up won’t eat up your evening.
Restaurant Worthy: That juicy steak, those crisped golden gnocchi—they’re absolutely irresistible and feel way more special than delivery.
Flavor Bomb: The marinade packs in layers of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes, making every bite pop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Sirloin or Tenderloin: Trimmed and cubed for unbeatable tenderness and beefy flavor. Go for tenderloin for extra luxury, but sirloin will absolutely shine, too.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the marinade, tenderizing the beef and waking up all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps everything meld together and keeps the steak bites juicy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds serious umami depth—always a must for good steak!
Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy edge that helps soften the meat and balance the richness.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: For extra savoriness and subtle sweetness, without the hassle of chopping.
Salt & Black Pepper: To coax out every ounce of flavor. Don’t be shy with seasoning—this is where steak gets its character.
Packaged Gnocchi: This is the busy cook’s best friend. The store-bought kind crisps up wonderfully and cooks in minutes.
Butter: Melts into the gnocchi and steak for that luscious, velvety finish.
Fresh Garlic: Minced and added at the end for a warm, fragrant note that makes the whole dish sing.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an undeniably delicious finishing touch. Grate it fresh if you can—it’s so worth it.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few great ideas:

Chicken or Pork: Swap the steak for chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian: Try meaty mushrooms like portobello or cremini in place of steak, and use vegetable-based Worcestershire.
Add Veggies: Toss in peas, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the gnocchi for some color and flavor.
Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of cream just before serving to make a rich sauce.
Herbaceous Boost: Finish with a handful of fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Steak Bites and Gnocchi

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Dice the steak into bite-sized cubes, trimming off any fat or sinew. Pop them into a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour over the lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, seal, and pop into the fridge for at least an hour—if you’ve got all day, even better.

Step 2: Get Cooking

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and preheat a big, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add your gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to the package—usually just a few minutes, until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Steak Bites

Using tongs, add half the marinated steak (shaking off excess marinade) to the hot skillet. Don’t crowd the pan—let those little cubes sear and develop a deep brown crust. Once browned on all sides, remove and set aside. Repeat with the second batch, then return all steak to the skillet.

Step 5: Garlic Butter Magic

Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently for a minute, just until the garlic is golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Toss with Gnocchi

Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, and sauté everything together for 3–5 minutes. The gnocchi should get slightly crispy and golden. That toasty exterior is pure happiness.

Step 7: Serve Up

Spoon onto plates and, if you like, shower with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot and dig in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Marinate: Even an hour makes a big difference, so plan ahead if possible. Overnight is fantastic for big flavor.
Dry Those Steak Bites: Too much marinade in the pan will steam, not sear. Shake off excess for the best crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed—crowding lowers the heat and leads to gray, bland steak.
Sear Hot and Fast: High heat means perfect browning, quick cooking, and super tender steak bites.
Crispy Gnocchi Is Key: Let those gnocchi sit undisturbed for a minute or two in the pan before tossing—that’s what gets you the crispy, golden texture.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to serve solo, but don’t be afraid to dress it up:

Garnishes:

A shower of Parmesan takes it over the top. Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a drizzle of good olive oil are all excellent additions.

Sides:

Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or some simple roasted veggies. Garlic bread is never a bad idea.

Wine Pairing:

A medium-bodied red like Merlot or a Syrah pairs perfectly with the richness of the steak and the pillowy gnocchi.

Tip: For a crowd-pleasing dinner, serve it family-style in a big skillet at the table—everyone will want seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer overnight!

Freezing

This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing—gnocchi can become mushy when thawed. If you must, freeze the steak alone and cook up fresh gnocchi later.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen things up. Microwaving also works but can make the gnocchi softer.

Note: Leftovers make a fantastic lunch—don’t skip the Parmesan topping when you reheat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried packaged?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi cooks even faster (usually in a minute or two). Just watch closely so they don’t overcook and get mushy.
What’s the best cut of beef for steak bites?

Sirloin offers a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, but tenderloin is extra-luxe if you’re feeling fancy. Avoid tougher cuts—they won’t sear up as nicely.
Can I prep the steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just drain well before searing for that amazing crust.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan?

Not at all, but it brings a lovely nutty, savory finish. If you prefer, try Pecorino Romano or even crumble a little blue cheese over—delicious!

Final Thoughts

Steak Bites and Gnocchi is the joyful, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to put on repeat. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and total crowd appeal—what more could you ask for in a weeknight dinner? Give it a try, make it your own, and let it become a new staple at your table. Happy cooking!