Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

This garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It brings together two comfort food staples—tender steak and golden potatoes—in one sizzling cast iron skillet. Each bite is coated in rich, fragrant garlic herb butter, creating a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something hearty after a long day, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a steakhouse meal without the fuss.

SAVE THIS!SAVE THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One-pan cleanup: Cook everything in a single skillet.
• Bold, comforting flavor: Garlic butter and herbs elevate every bite.
• Flexible: Works with different cuts of steak and potatoes.
• Naturally gluten-free: No substitutions needed.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients and tools. A smooth preparation process is the key to a fast and successful one-pan meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet: Ensures even heat and perfect searing.
• Sharp chef’s knife: For clean, uniform cuts of steak and potatoes.
• Cutting board: Use separate boards for meat and vegetables.
• Tongs: Helps handle steak bites without over-flipping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the potatoes and combining ingredients.

Why These Tools Matter

The cast iron skillet is crucial for building the right texture. It gets hot and stays hot, ensuring the steak bites sear instead of steam. A sharp knife gives you evenly sized pieces that cook consistently. Tongs allow you to manage the meat without disturbing the sear, and a good spatula helps scrape up the flavorful bits at the bottom of the pan.

Preparation Tips Before Cooking

• Pat steak dry: Removing excess moisture helps the meat brown.
• Let steak sit at room temp: This prevents sudden temperature drops and uneven cooking.
• Cube evenly: Both steak and potatoes should be cut to roughly ½-inch cubes for uniform doneness.
• Preheat the skillet: Starting with a hot pan makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

Ingredients List

For the Potatoes:

• ¼ cup ghee or unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste

For the Steak:

• 1¼ pounds sirloin steak, cut into ½-inch cubes
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet

Place a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter. Allow the butter to melt fully before adding the potatoes.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Add the cubed Yukon gold potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle them with minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to let the bottoms brown.

Stir and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes. Potatoes should be fork-tender and golden brown on the outside. If the pan is crowded or potatoes are cut larger, they may need more time.

Once done, remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside. Scrape out any browned bits to avoid burning in the next step.

3. Sear the Steak Bites

Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee to the pan. Once melted, add the steak bites in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Let the steak cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a nice sear. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the steak is golden brown and cooked to your preferred doneness. Avoid overcooking to keep the steak juicy.

4. Combine Steak and Potatoes

Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together so the potatoes and steak are well coated in the garlic butter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is satisfying on its own, how you serve it can change the entire dining experience. Here are several ways to serve garlic butter steak bites and potatoes for maximum appeal.

• Family-style: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, warm presentation that keeps everything hot.
• Individual plates: Spoon steak and potatoes onto warmed plates and top with extra fresh herbs or grated cheese.
• Over a base: Spoon over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, rice, or even creamy polenta for added texture and volume.
• With a drizzle: Add a touch of extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice just before serving to cut through the richness of the butter.
• For leftovers: Use as a hearty filling in a tortilla or wrap, or top on a bed of salad greens for a steakhouse-inspired lunch bowl.

This dish also makes an excellent addition to a meal prep rotation. Divide into containers with a side vegetable or grain for easy weekday lunches.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them

Even a straightforward recipe like this one can fall short if a few key techniques are overlooked. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Pan

Overcrowding prevents the potatoes and steak from crisping. Instead of browning, they’ll steam and lose texture.

Solution: Cook in batches if necessary. Use a wide skillet to allow enough surface area for proper searing.

Mistake 2: Stirring the Steak Too Soon

Constantly stirring the steak prevents a good crust from forming.

Solution: Let the steak bites cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes before stirring.

Mistake 3: Uneven Cuts

Potatoes or steak that vary in size will cook at different rates, leading to burnt bits or undercooked centers.

Solution: Use a sharp knife and cut everything into even ½-inch cubes for consistent results.

Mistake 4: Not Preheating the Pan

Adding ingredients to a cold or underheated pan results in soggy, under-seared food.

Solution: Always preheat the skillet before adding oil and ingredients. You should hear a clear sizzle when food hits the pan.

Mistake 5: Using Low-Quality Steak

Tough cuts can turn chewy and dry, especially when cooked quickly.

Solution: Use a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. Trim excess fat and gristle before cubing.

---

Side Dish Recommendations

Although garlic butter steak bites and potatoes can shine on their own, pairing them with complementary sides rounds out the meal and adds balance. Here are eight side dish ideas that pair especially well with this savory skillet recipe.

1. Garlic Green Beans

Sauté green beans in garlic and olive oil for a fresh, crisp vegetable that complements the richness of the steak and butter.

2. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with crunchy romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing adds texture and freshness.

3. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest

Brighten the plate with lightly steamed broccoli and a touch of citrus zest for contrast.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus tossed with olive oil and sea salt adds earthiness and crunch.

5. Creamed Spinach

Rich and velvety, creamed spinach is a luxurious match for garlic butter steak.

6. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Sweet, tangy, and slightly crispy, Brussels sprouts caramelized in balsamic vinegar bring both sweetness and acidity.

7. Grilled Corn on the Cob

When in season, corn adds a touch of sweetness and grill-charred depth to your plate.

8. Cucumber Tomato Salad

A refreshing, cold salad with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice balances the savory elements of the dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to take your steak bites and potatoes from great to unforgettable.

Choose the Right Cut of Beef

While sirloin is a solid choice, upgrading to ribeye or tenderloin can deliver even more tenderness and flavor. Look for marbled cuts for juicier, more flavorful steak bites.

Dry the Steak Before Cooking

Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. A dry surface helps create a crisp, golden-brown crust during searing.

Use Ghee for High-Heat Searing

Ghee has a higher smoke point than butter, which allows you to sear the steak and crisp the potatoes without burning. It also adds a nutty richness that enhances the garlic butter.

Let the Pan Get Hot

Preheating your skillet is essential for caramelizing the exterior of the steak bites and achieving the ideal crust. Add the steak only when the butter or ghee is fully melted and slightly sizzling.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Give the steak and potatoes space to brown properly. If needed, cook them in batches to maintain a hot sear and avoid steaming the ingredients.

Adjust Seasoning at the End

After combining the steak and potatoes, taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. The garlic butter enhances flavor, but seasoning to taste ensures a well-balanced final dish.

---

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and makes a great next-day lunch or dinner. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Refrigeration

• Storage time: Up to 3 days
• Storage method: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator once cooled completely.

Avoid keeping the steak in the pan after cooking for long periods, as it can continue to cook and dry out.

---

Reheating Instructions

Reheating steak can be tricky, but the following methods will help you maintain flavor and texture.

Stovetop Method

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan.
• Add the steak and potatoes and stir occasionally until heated through.

This method retains the most flavor and allows potatoes to crisp up again.

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread leftovers in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.

This option works best when reheating larger portions.

Air Fryer Method

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
• Spread steak and potatoes in a single layer.
• Heat for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway through.

This method helps restore some crispiness to the potatoes while warming everything evenly.

Microwave (Not Recommended)

While convenient, the microwave may make the steak tough and the potatoes soggy. Use lower power settings and short intervals if this is your only option.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What other types of steak can I use?

You can substitute sirloin with ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, or even flat iron steak. Choose well-marbled cuts for the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I use other potatoes?

Yes, red potatoes, baby potatoes, or fingerling potatoes work well. Just be sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

How do I keep steak bites juicy?

Avoid overcooking and let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking. Sear on high heat for a short time, then remove immediately to prevent drying out.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it is low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it a suitable option for a ketogenic diet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the potatoes and cube the steak in advance. Cook them fresh for the best texture, or prepare the entire dish and reheat it as directed.

Can I freeze garlic butter steak bites and potatoes?

Freezing is not ideal due to texture changes in the potatoes. However, if necessary, freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or skillet for best results.

What herbs go well with this dish?

Thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and chives all pair beautifully with garlic and steak. Fresh herbs added at the end enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.

---

Conclusion

Garlic butter steak bites and potatoes offer the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. This one-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home with minimal effort. Juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and aromatic garlic butter make it a go-to for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want a satisfying, complete meal with easy cleanup.

Looking for more one-skillet recipes or ways to cook steak at home? Explore our One-Pan Recipe Collection or try our popular Skillet Chicken with Herb Butter for more inspiration.