Cheesy Beef Nuggets
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 646.3
Cheesy Beef Nuggets are a mouthwatering snack or lunch option perfect for meat lovers. These bite-sized nuggets are made with tender beef cubes, a crispy coating, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, as part of a party spread, or just craving a savory bite, these Cheesy Beef Nuggets are sure to become a hit. Plus, they’re baked to perfection in just 15 minutes, making them an easy and quick treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2/3 cup |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Margarine | 1/2 tbsp |
| Additional all-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Half-and-half cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar cheese (grated) | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Beef steak (such as flank or sirloin), cut into cubes | 1 lb |
| Steak seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cornflake crumbs | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 646.3 kcal |
| Fat | 46.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 140.5 mg |
| Sodium | 411.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.6 g |
| Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugar | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 33.4 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grease a baking sheet or cookie sheet with a light layer of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef steak into small, bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.25 inches each. These cubes will form the base of your nuggets, so it’s important to get them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. -
Season the Beef
Season the beef cubes with steak seasoning to your preference. This will add a flavorful base to your nuggets, infusing the beef with a savory taste. If you like, you can also sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper to enhance the seasoning. -
Coat the Beef
In a large plastic bag, combine 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients. Place the beef cubes into the bag and shake it until each piece is fully coated with the seasoned flour. This creates a light, crisp exterior for the nuggets. -
Chill the Beef
After coating the beef cubes, refrigerate them for at least 10 minutes to help the coating set. This ensures the breading stays intact during the baking process. -
Prepare the Coating Mixture
While the beef chills, prepare the dry coating mixture. In a large bowl, combine cornflake crumbs, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and, if using, ground nutmeg. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly blended. Set this aside for later use. -
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 tablespoon of margarine over medium heat. Once the butter and margarine have melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and the flour is fully incorporated. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of half-and-half cream, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. -
Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat to a simmer and add the grated cheddar cheese and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Remove from heat and keep the sauce warm. -
Coat the Beef with Cheese Sauce and Crumbs
Take each floured beef cube and dip it into the warm cheese sauce, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Next, roll the coated beef cube in the prepared crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides. Repeat this process for each piece of beef. -
Bake the Nuggets
Place the coated beef cubes onto the greased baking sheet, making sure there’s some space between each piece. This ensures they bake evenly and crisp up nicely. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on the outside. -
Cool and Serve
Once the nuggets are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Use a spatula to carefully transfer them to a plate or serving tray. These cheesy beef nuggets are best enjoyed warm and can be served with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch dressing or a tangy BBQ sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef Nuggets
- Beef Selection: For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef such as flank or sirloin. These cuts are perfect for making juicy, flavorful nuggets.
- Crispier Coating: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can add more cornflake crumbs to the dry mixture. The cornflakes create a fantastic crisp texture once baked.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. For example, you can use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchy, cheesy bite, or try a sharper cheese like Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Serve with Sides: These Cheesy Beef Nuggets pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even some crispy fries. They can also be served as an appetizer at your next party!
Cheesy Beef Nuggets are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy, making them an irresistible choice for lunch or as a snack. With a quick prep time and easy baking method, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something delicious without the hassle. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with family and friends, these nuggets are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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