If you are craving a hearty, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, the Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seared steak and crispy, golden potatoes in a luscious garlic butter sauce that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels both indulgent and homey, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Once you try this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that complement each other perfectly. From the rich butter and aromatic garlic to the tender steak and crispy potatoes, these staples turn into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
- 2 (6-8 oz) ribeye or sirloin steaks: Choose your favorite cut for the best tenderness and flavor.
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or red): These hold their shape beautifully and get crispy without falling apart.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Essential for achieving that perfect sear on both steak and potatoes.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided): Enriches the dish and creates the signature garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): A fresh herb touch that brightens the dish.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and color to the steak.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Fundamental for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional): Provides a gentle savory note to the potatoes.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of green and freshness at the end.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your potatoes, then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. To speed up cooking and ensure tenderness, microwave the cubed potatoes with a pinch of salt for 5-7 minutes. This step softens them just enough so they cook evenly and get nicely crispy in the skillet later.
Step 2: Cook the Steaks
While the potatoes are softening, season your steaks generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the steaks and cook about 4-5 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Then, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest—this keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the par-cooked potatoes and season them with salt, pepper, and onion powder if you’re using it. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes develop a beautiful golden crust while staying tender inside. If they’re taking too long to soften, cover the skillet briefly to trap heat and speed up the process.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
After the potatoes are crispy, push them aside to clear some space in the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt completely before stirring in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this is the fragrant heart of the garlic butter sauce that will tie everything together.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Potatoes
Slice your rested steaks into strips or bite-sized cubes, then return them to the skillet. Toss the steak and potatoes gently in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bite is richly coated. This step infuses the meat and potatoes with buttery garlic goodness, elevating the entire dish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the skillet for an herbal lift if you like. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve everything straight from the pan while hot and enjoy the rustic, comforting magic of this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme add a burst of color and a layer of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich steak and potatoes. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving can also enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
While the skillet is a meal on its own, bright side dishes bring balance to the palate. Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables for added texture and freshness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes for a peppery, light pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak and potatoes over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or alongside garlic butter sautéed greens. You could even transform it into a hearty breakfast by topping with a fried egg, creating a savory skillet that shines any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well because the garlic butter sauce keeps both steak and potatoes moist and flavorful even after chilling.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, place the cooled steak and potatoes in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the crispness of the potatoes and prevent the steak from drying out. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and warm in short intervals to avoid overcooking the steak.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are great, but you can also use filet mignon, strip steak, or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and cut to get your preferred doneness.
What’s the best type of potato for this recipe?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best because they have a nice balance of starch and waxiness, which helps them stay tender inside while getting crispy outside. Russet potatoes might become too soft and fall apart.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The garlic flavor will still shine, though the sauce may be slightly different in texture.
How do I know when the steak is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and so on. If you don’t have one, look for a nice crust and slightly springy texture when pressing the meat.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans to the skillet during the potato cooking step. Just make sure to cut them into pieces that cook through in the same time frame to keep everything perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe that makes it a standout in any weeknight dinner lineup. It’s simple yet special, full of bold flavors and satisfying textures that bring joy with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. Once you do, this skillet will be a delicious staple you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender ribeye or sirloin steaks seared to perfection alongside crispy, golden potatoes cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh herbs and paprika, this easy-to-make dish combines the comforting flavors of buttery garlic, savory steak, and perfectly seasoned potatoes for a satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 (6-8 oz) ribeye or sirloin steaks (or your preferred cut)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
Cooking Oils and Butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Garlic and Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl, add a pinch of salt, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steaks: Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cubed potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Cover with a lid if needed to help soften the potatoes.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add butter to the empty space and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring carefully to prevent burning.
- Combine Steak and Potatoes: Slice the rested steaks into strips or cubes and add back to the skillet with the potatoes. Toss well in the garlic butter sauce to coat everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the skillet if using and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet.
Notes
- You can adjust steak cooking times for desired doneness (rare, medium, well done).
- Microwaving the potatoes before pan-cooking speeds up the process and ensures tender interiors.
- For a different herb flavor, try thyme or omit herbs entirely.
- Use any skillet suitable for stovetop cooking with enough space to cook both steaks and potatoes.
- Resting the steak before slicing ensures juicy, tender meat.
