Nothing beats a simple, flavor-packed one-pot recipe for a satisfying meal. This dish brings together tender steak tips, wilted spinach, crisp apples, and creamy Gorgonzola for a balanced combination of richness and freshness.
The best part? Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for two, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipes
One-pot recipes simplify cooking without sacrificing taste. This recipe is a perfect example of how a single pan can create deep, layered flavors.
- Minimal cleanup – Fewer dishes mean less time spent in the kitchen.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Balanced flavors – The richness of steak and Gorgonzola pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of apples and the nuttiness of pecans.
- Perfect for two – This recipe is designed for a cozy meal but can easily be doubled for guests.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak Tips
Cooking steak tips correctly ensures they stay juicy and flavorful. Follow these simple tricks for the best results.
- Pat dry before cooking – Removing excess moisture helps achieve a good sear.
- Season well – A mix of salt, pepper, and olive oil enhances the steak’s natural flavors.
- High heat is key – Searing the steak over medium-high heat locks in juices and creates a rich crust.
- Use a thermometer – Aim for 120-125°F for perfect medium-rare doneness.
Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and flavorful.
How to Get the Perfect Wilted Spinach
Spinach wilts quickly, and knowing when to remove it from the heat prevents it from turning soggy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook it last – Toss spinach into the pan after everything else is ready.
- Use residual heat – The warmth from the pan will gently wilt the spinach without overcooking it.
- Add dressing at the right time – Stirring in balsamic vinegar with the spinach helps balance flavors and keep the texture just right.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This dish is versatile, making it easy to customize based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap the cheese – If Gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, try feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Go nut-free – Omit pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Make it low-carb – Skip the apple or replace it with sautéed mushrooms.
- Pair it with a side – Serve with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple quinoa salad for a heartier meal.
This one-pot recipe proves that a simple skillet can create a restaurant-worthy dish. With minimal prep, quick cooking, and a perfect balance of flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Best Steak Tips with Wilted Spinach, Gorgonzola & Apple Salad One-Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 10-inch skillet
Ingredients
For the Steak Tips:
- 1 pound sirloin steak tips trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¼ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon table salt divided
- ⅛ teaspoon plus pinch pepper divided
- 5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
For the Salad & Dressing:
- 3 ounces 3 cups baby spinach
- ½ red apple cored and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 shallot sliced thin
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme or ⅛ teaspoon dried
- 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ounce Gorgonzola cheese crumbled (¼ cup)
Instructions
Cook the Steak:
- Pat steak tips dry with paper towels and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
- Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
- Add steak tips and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare (6 to 10 minutes).
- Transfer steak tips to a serving platter and let rest while preparing the salad.
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine spinach and sliced apple.
- Add pecans, shallot, garlic, thyme, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, and remaining pinch of pepper to the now-empty skillet.
- Cook over medium heat until pecans are toasted and shallot softens, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and any accumulated meat juices.
Assemble and Serve:
- Immediately pour the warm dressing over the spinach and toss gently to wilt.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with crumbled Gorgonzola.
- Serve alongside the rested steak tips.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.