A rich steakhouse-inspired low-carb dinner featuring tender, seared beef tips in a velvety garlic and cream cheese spinach sauce. A high-protein, one-skillet meal designed for deep savory flavor and nutritional density without the use of flour or starch-based thickeners.
About This Recipe
Keto Creamed Spinach with Steak Tips focuses on the combination of high-quality protein and a stable, fat-based vegetable sauce to emulate classic American steakhouse profiles. Instead of relying on traditional flour-based roux or starches, this recipe utilizes the emulsifying properties of heavy cream and cream cheese. This method ensures that the sauce achieves a thick, velvety consistency that effectively coats the fresh spinach leaves, providing a cohesive texture that remains smooth even when integrated with the seared beef.
The preparation logic begins with a high-heat sear on the sirloin steak tips, which utilizes the Maillard reaction to develop a complex, savory crust while maintaining a tender interior. By removing the beef and building the sauce in the same skillet, the recipe incorporates the browned fond—the caramelized drippings from the meat—directly into the dairy base. The addition of fresh spinach at the final stage allows the leaves to wilt just enough to release their nutrients while maintaining a vibrant color, preventing the sauce from becoming overly diluted by excess vegetable moisture.
This dish is specifically designed for efficiency and thermal stability, making it a reliable option for both immediate service and reheating. The use of cream cheese as a secondary stabilizer prevents the heavy cream from separating when the steak tips are returned to the pan for the final simmer. The result is a nutritionally dense, keto-friendly meal that provides a substantial amount of healthy fats and protein, utilizing simple aromatics like garlic and nutmeg to deliver a sophisticated flavor profile within a low-carb framework.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse-inspired keto dinner
- Rich, creamy spinach sauce
- Juicy, well-seared steak tips
- One-skillet recipe
- No flour or starch
- High-protein and filling
- Perfect for weeknights
What You’ll Need for This Creamed Spinach with Steak Tips
- 1 ½ lb beef sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Season steak tips with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak tips and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted and fully incorporated.
- Stir in nutmeg if using.
- Return steak tips to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until coated and heated through.
FAQ
- What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin steak tips are ideal, but ribeye or strip also work. - Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain very well before adding. - Does this reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth. - Is nutmeg required?
No, it’s optional but adds classic creamed spinach flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add mushrooms for extra texture
- Use ribeye for richer flavor
- Add grated parmesan for extra depth
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on its own
- Pair with roasted broccoli
- Add a simple side salad

Keto Creamed Spinach with Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb beef sirloin steak tips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Season steak tips with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak tips and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted and fully incorporated.
- Stir in nutmeg if using.
- Return steak tips to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until coated and heated through.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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