Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes. This hearty, savory dish brings together tender, juicy steak bites with crispy roasted potatoes, all smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to treat yourself to a flavorful dinner, this one-pan meal is the perfect solution.
In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. The best part? It’s simple to make, with minimal prep and cleanup. With succulent steak, crispy potatoes, and that melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter sauce, every bite is a guaranteed winner.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions where you need a dish that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of cooking. The combination of seared steak, crispy potatoes, and a buttery, garlicky sauce makes this meal both filling and indulgent. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s made in just one skillet, so you can focus more on enjoying your meal and less on cleaning up afterward.
Ingredients
To prepare Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and you can adjust quantities based on your personal preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or your preferred cut of beef), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Directions
This recipe is quick and easy, with just a few simple steps that bring together steak, potatoes, and a delicious garlic butter sauce. Here’s how to make it:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven is warming up, wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes (depending on their size). You want the potatoes to be bite-sized so that they cook evenly.
Place the potatoes on a large baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season them generously with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme (if using). Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Be sure to flip them halfway through the roasting time for even cooking. If you like them extra crispy, you can leave them in for an extra 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Steak Bites
While the potatoes are roasting, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, season the steak cubes with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Toss the steak cubes to ensure they are evenly seasoned.
Add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the steak in batches to ensure a good sear. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for a sear on each side, then remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be sure to keep an eye on the garlic, as it can burn quickly.
Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional) to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir everything together to combine and infuse the flavors.
4. Combine the Steak and Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done roasting, add them directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss them gently to coat the potatoes in the buttery sauce. Next, add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the steak bites and potatoes to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the steak and potatoes are heated through and coated in the sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the steak bites and potatoes to a serving platter or divide among individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve immediately, and enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner for two with leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes for the potatoes + 10-15 minutes for the steak and garlic butter sauce.
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is an incredibly versatile dish, and you can easily adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Different Cuts of Beef
While sirloin is the most common cut for this recipe, you can use any tender cut of beef you prefer. Try ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak for a richer, more tender bite. Keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
2. Add More Veggies
If you want to boost the nutritional value of this dish, try adding more vegetables to the roasting pan. You could include carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and roast them alongside the potatoes for the perfect addition.
3. Spicy Garlic Butter
For those who like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter sauce to give it some heat. This spicy twist pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and steak.
4. Herb Variations
If you’re not a fan of thyme, feel free to use other herbs in the seasoning mix. Rosemary, oregano, or basil all work wonderfully with the steak and potatoes. You can also swap the dried thyme for fresh herbs for an even more vibrant flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (although we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat this dish:
- Storage: Place the leftover steak and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal due to the texture of the potatoes, you can freeze the steak and garlic butter sauce for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to cool everything completely before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the steak and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes? Yes! You can substitute regular potatoes for baby potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into small chunks to ensure even cooking.
- What’s the best steak for this recipe? Sirloin works well for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye or filet mignon if you want something richer.
- Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can pre-roast the potatoes and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven before adding them to the garlic butter sauce.
- How can I prevent overcooking the steak? Sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes for medium-rare to medium.
- Can I add cheese to this dish? Absolutely! A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar on top would make a delicious addition.
- Can I use a non-stick pan? Yes, a non-stick pan will work, but a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel skillet is best for achieving a good sear on the steak.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes! You can add carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili powder to the garlic butter sauce to give it a spicy kick.
- Can I use frozen potatoes? It’s best to use fresh potatoes for optimal texture, as frozen potatoes can become too mushy when roasted.
- What side dishes go well with this? Serve with a light side salad, steamed vegetables, or green beans to balance the richness of the steak and potatoes.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender steak, crispy potatoes, and a decadent garlic butter sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish delivers both comfort and sophistication without the hassle.
From the first sear of the steak to the last bite of garlicky potatoes, every step is simple yet rewarding. If you’re