Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes: Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? One-pot wonders like Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes can be a game-changer. This dish combines tender, juicy steak pieces with crispy potatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce, all cooked in one skillet.

Imagine having a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal ready in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting dinner without the fuss. The combination of garlic and butter creates a savory sauce that complements the steak bites and potatoes perfectly.

Delicious One-Pan Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

This skillet steak and potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. You can’t go wrong with steak and potatoes! This delicious dinner is a complete meal for busy weeknights or any special occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just one pan means minimal cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor in every bite. The garlic butter sauce creates a rich, flavorful coating that elevates simple ingredients to a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This recipe is incredibly time-efficient, taking just 30 minutes from prep to table, making it ideal for those evenings when time is limited but you still want something delicious. The combination of tender steak bites and crispy potatoes creates a complete meal that satisfies both protein and carbohydrate needs in a single dish.

For busy parents, professionals, or anyone with a hectic schedule, this recipe provides a quick solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality for convenience. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for weeknight family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests without hours of preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The success of this easy weeknight meal relies on having the right ingredients for the steak bites, potatoes, and garlic butter sauce. To make this dish, you’ll need to gather a few essential components that will come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For the Steak Bites

For the steak bites, you’ll need 1-2 pounds of high-quality steak such as sirloin or New York strip, cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and optimal tenderness. The seasoning blend includes a balanced mix of 3 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 2 teaspoons paprika, which creates a flavorful crust when seared.

For the Potatoes

For the potatoes, Yukon Gold varieties are ideal as they hold their shape well while becoming creamy inside; you’ll need about 1-2 pounds cut into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and are tender by the time you’re ready to serve.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

The star of this dish is the garlic butter sauce, which requires 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2-6 cloves of minced fresh garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary. Additional flavor enhancers include Worcestershire sauce for depth and browning sauce for color.

Garnishes and Optional Add-ins

For garnishes, fresh chopped parsley adds brightness, while red pepper flakes can provide a touch of heat for those who enjoy a slight kick to their meal.

• 2 pounds cubed steak like sirloin, NY Strip
• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed into small bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Kitchen Tools Required

Equipping your kitchen with the right tools is vital for making delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes. The right equipment not only makes the cooking process smoother but also ensures that your steak bites are cooked to perfection and your potatoes are crispy.

Best Skillet Options

A 10-12 inch cast iron skillet is the ideal cooking vessel for this recipe. It retains heat exceptionally well, creating the perfect sear on your steak bites while developing a crispy exterior on the potatoes. If you don’t have cast iron, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet can work as an alternative. While non-stick skillets are less ideal due to their inability to create the same level of caramelization, they can still be used if necessary.

Skillet Type	Heat Retention	Caramelization
Cast Iron Skillet	Excellent	Excellent
Heavy-Bottomed Stainless Steel	Good	Good
Non-Stick Skillet	Fair	Poor

Other Helpful Equipment

Beyond your skillet, several other tools will make the cooking process easier. You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife for cutting the steak into uniform pieces and dicing potatoes. Other helpful tools include measuring spoons for precise seasoning, a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring, and kitchen tongs for flipping the steak bites. A meat thermometer can also be beneficial for checking the internal temperature of your steak bites.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

Making garlic butter steak bites and potatoes is a breeze with this step-by-step recipe. To start, you’ll need to prepare the steak, potatoes, and garlic butter sauce before cooking everything together in a skillet.

Preparing the Steak

Begin by patting your steak dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Then, cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes and season generously with a spice mixture of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. In a large bowl, combine the cubed beef with Worcestershire sauce, browning sauce (if using), and half of the spice mixture. Toss until the beef is evenly coated all over.

Preparing the Potatoes

For the potatoes, you can either parboil them for 5-6 minutes before pan-frying or cook them directly in the skillet for a one-pan approach. To parboil, simply boil diced potatoes in water until they begin to soften, then drain and season with the remaining spice mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Prepare the garlic butter sauce by combining softened unsalted butter with minced fresh garlic, chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary, and a touch of salt. This can be done ahead of time and kept ready to use.

Cooking Process Step-by-Step

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the steak bites in a single layer for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the parboiled potatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fork-tender. Return the steak bites to the skillet, stir in the garlic herb butter, and toss everything together to coat evenly.

• Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare or 3-4 minutes for medium.
• Cook the potatoes for 8-10 minutes until golden and fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
• Allow everything to simmer together for just 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious garlic butter steak bites and potatoes dish ready in no time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Bites and Potatoes

To elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, consider these expert tips. Mastering a few key techniques will make all the difference in this easy weeknight meal.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

For the best results, choose a tender cut of steak, such as sirloin or New York strip, that can cook quickly. Avoid tougher cuts like skirt or flank steak, as they can become tough when cooked using this quick-sear method.

Best Potatoes to Use

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a moderate starch content, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also use waxy potatoes like reds or fingerlings.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

To achieve a perfect sear on your steak bites, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, allowing for a crispy crust. Additionally, don’t overcrowd your pan, and let your skillet get hot before adding the steak.

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about this garlic butter steak bites and potatoes recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Herb and Spice Alternatives

You can substitute the traditional garlic and parsley with rosemary and thyme for an earthier flavor or add fresh sage for an autumn-inspired taste. Alternatively, incorporating Cajun or Creole seasoning can add a spicy kick.

Adding Vegetables

Enhance the dish by adding quick-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking. For a more substantial addition, consider sautéing mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the potatoes.

Different Protein Options

While sirloin and New York strip steak are popular choices, you can substitute with chicken thighs or beef tenderloin for a different flavor profile. For a luxurious twist, try using lamb or adding shrimp for a surf-and-turf variation.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Discover the perfect accompaniments to your garlic butter steak bites and potatoes for a complete meal. This dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and beverages to suit your taste.

Side Dishes That Complement

The potatoes in this recipe already serve as a great side, but you can further enhance your meal with other delicious options. Consider serving with Pennsylvania Dutch green beans, asparagus almondine, or cheesy roasted broccoli. Lighter options like Zucchini Noodles or a simple House Salad are also great choices to balance the richness of the steak.

Beverage Pairings

For a sophisticated dinner, pair your garlic butter steak bites with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. Alternatively, a craft beer such as an amber ale or porter complements the dish nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime provides a refreshing contrast.

Presentation Ideas

Elevate your presentation by serving directly in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, family-style approach. You can also plate individually with the steak bites and potatoes arranged neatly and garnished with fresh herbs. Adding a compound butter on top of the hot steak bites creates a restaurant-quality presentation.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Winner

Garlic butter steak bites and potatoes is a versatile and satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe truly delivers on all fronts – it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and provides a flavorful meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the steak bites and potatoes in a skillet with some olive oil over medium-low heat. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing it for future meals, making it perfect for busy weeknights or informal gatherings.

FAQ

What type of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

Sirloin or New York strip steak works well for this recipe, as they are tender and have a good balance of flavor.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the potato size and type.

How do I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.

Can I make Garlic Butter Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat it gently before using.

What are some alternatives to cast iron skillet for cooking Steak Bites and Potatoes?

You can use other heavy-bottomed skillets, such as stainless steel or non-stick, but cast iron is preferred for its heat retention and searing capabilities.

How can I achieve a perfect sear on the Steak Bites?

To achieve a perfect sear, make sure the skillet is hot, pat the steak dry with paper towels, and cook the Steak Bites in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet.