There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor, especially when it comes together with minimal fuss. This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes recipe delivers on all fronts, creating a juicy, garlicky, and oh-so-comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Tender steak bites and golden roasted potatoes are brought together in a luscious garlic herb butter, making every mouthful an absolute delight.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a food writer, I’m always searching for recipes that combine simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary, and this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes is a prime example. What I absolutely adore about this dish is its sheer simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves. The crispy, tender roasted potatoes are the perfect foundation, and the seared steak bites are infused with a rich, aromatic garlic and herb butter sauce that is utterly addictive. It’s essentially a complete meal in one skillet (plus a baking sheet for the potatoes), minimizing cleanup while maximizing deliciousness. It feels indulgent and gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly quick to get on the table, making it a regular in my dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (top sirloin or flat iron are good choices)
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (small red, Yukon Gold, or creamer potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Steak Cut: While sirloin is excellent, you can use other cuts like ribeye, strip steak, or even tenderloin for a more premium dish. Adjust cooking time for doneness.
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes are convenient, but you can use larger potatoes (like russets or Yukon golds) cut into 1-inch chunks. Sweet potatoes could also be a delicious alternative.
- Garlic: 6 cloves provide a strong garlic flavor. Adjust up or down based on your preference. Garlic powder (about 1.5 tsp) could be used in a pinch, but fresh is far superior here.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning precisely. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs (1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano) can be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes could be added to the garlic butter for a subtle kick.
- Broth: A splash of beef broth (¼ cup) can be added to the skillet with the garlic and herbs for a richer sauce, if desired.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting those potatoes nice and golden.
- Roast Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Make sure they’re all evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Sear Steak: While the potatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the bite-sized steak pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, this usually takes about 7 minutes total, turning occasionally. Remember that steak will continue to cook slightly after removal. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits from the steak are full of flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Cook for about 30 seconds more, letting the herbs become aromatic.
- Combine Steak & Sauce: Return the cooked steak pieces to the skillet with the garlic herb butter sauce. Toss the steak well to coat every piece in the flavorful butter. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together and the steak to warm through.
- Add Potatoes & Final Butter: Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and carefully add them to the skillet with the steak. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over the steak and potatoes. Toss everything together gently until well combined and coated in the melted butter. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic butter steak and potatoes to serving plates. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
- Hot Skillet for Steak: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. This creates a good sear and locks in juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Don’t Overcook Steak: Steak bites cook quickly. For tender results, cook to your preferred doneness (e.g., 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 145°F for medium-well).
- Even Potato Size: Halving the baby potatoes ensures they roast evenly. For larger potatoes, cut into uniform 1-inch chunks.
- Single Layer Roasting: Spread potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness. If overcrowded, they will steam.
- Fresh Garlic & Herbs: While dried herbs work, fresh minced garlic and fresh herbs (if available) will elevate the flavor even further.
- Rest the Steak (briefly): Even for bite-sized pieces, a minute or two of rest after searing helps keep them juicy before adding to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes dish is a wonderfully complete meal on its own. However, you can complement its richness with simple side dishes:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast.
- Steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Warm, crusty bread for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
For other hearty and flavorful main dishes, consider:
- My This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor for another satisfying one-pan meal.
- A comforting bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to avoid overcooking the steak and making it tough. You can warm individual portions in the microwave, or spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Add a tiny splash of beef broth or water if the dish seems dry.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting and flavorful nature of this steak and potato dish, you’ll love exploring some of these other fantastic main dishes:
- For another comforting meat dish, check out These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- If you’re into flavorful one-pan meals, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a must-try.
- And for a super convenient and tasty start to your day, my This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip is fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes recipe is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, when cooked with a little love, can create a meal that’s both deeply comforting and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for a fuss-free dinner that still feels special and indulgent. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for this juicy, garlicky perfection!
What are your go-to easy weeknight dinners? Share your favorite flavor combinations in the comments below, and don’t forget to connect with Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes!
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