If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly mouthwatering meal that comes together in one pan, this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Combining tender, juicy steak with golden, crisp potatoes all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is pure satisfaction. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to nailing that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe. Each component plays a role in creating the delicious layers that make this dish so irresistible.
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (6-8 oz each): Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender meat packed with flavor.
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red): Their waxy texture crisps beautifully while staying creamy inside.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust on steak and potatoes.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided): Creates the luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aroma and depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): A touch of herbaceous brightness to elevate the flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and vibrant color to the steak.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element on the skillet.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional): A gentle savory boost for the potatoes.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds freshness and a pop of green when serving.
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 so they cook evenly. To speed up the process and ensure tenderness, microwave the cubed potatoes with a pinch of salt for 5-7 minutes. This step gives your potatoes a head start toward becoming golden and crispy in the skillet while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Cook the Steaks
Season your steaks generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat creates the perfect surface for a delicious sear. Cook your steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side if you like them medium-rare, or adjust timing to your preference. Once cooked, let the steaks rest outside the skillet to lock in those juices.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your pre-cooked potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of onion powder if you like. Stir the potatoes occasionally for 8-10 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Covering the skillet briefly helps soften them if needed, but keep an eye on that crispiness!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Push the cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet and melt the butter in the open space. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until you smell that irresistible fragrance—just be sure not to burn the garlic. This deep, buttery sauce is the heart and soul of your Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Potatoes
Slice your rested steaks into strips or cubes and add them back to the skillet with the potatoes. Toss everything thoroughly to coat in the rich garlic butter sauce, allowing the flavors to mingle and create an unforgettable harmony in every bite.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
For a burst of fresh herbal flavor, sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you want a vibrant touch of color and brightness. Serve the Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe immediately while it’s hot and the butter is luxuriously silky.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or a light sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish visually and taste-wise. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a lively zing that cuts through the richness beautifully, making each bite even more appetizing.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is hearty on its own, you might want to balance it with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly and brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the garlic butter steak and potatoes skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve directly in the skillet to keep everything warm and visually impressive. Alternatively, plating the steak slices over the potatoes with a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce creates an elegant plate perfect for entertaining. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a dollop of sour cream can also add fun variations to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and hopefully you will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Properly cooled, the steak and potatoes stay moist and flavorful without getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze steak and potatoes separately if possible, as freezing can alter the texture of cooked potatoes slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive that crispy exterior on the potatoes and keep the steak tender. Adding a little extra butter during reheating can refresh the luscious garlic butter sauce and keep everything tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are popular for their flavor and tenderness, but you can also use filet mignon, flank steak, or even strip steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Is it necessary to microwave the potatoes before cooking them in the skillet?
Microwaving the potatoes first speeds up cooking and ensures they are tender on the inside. You can skip this step, but the potatoes will take longer to soften in the skillet and might not brown as evenly.
Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried ones?
Yes, dried rosemary or thyme can be used if fresh is not available. Use about one-third of the amount called for since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
What if I want to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The garlic and seasonings will still create a flavorful dish, though the richness might be slightly different.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add color, texture, and extra nutrition. Add them after the potatoes have started to brown so everything cooks evenly without overcooking the veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender steak, and crispy potatoes, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find yourself making it 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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender ribeye or sirloin steaks seared to perfection and accompanied by crispy, golden potatoes cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect dish for any night of the week that delivers rich taste and satisfying textures.
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 and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
Cooking & Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 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 approximately 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, add a pinch of salt, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
- Cook the Steaks: Season the 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 hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time based on your preferred doneness. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest.
- Cook the Potatoes: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the pre-cooked cubed potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder if desired. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside. Cover the skillet briefly if you want to soften the potatoes more through steam.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the butter to the cleared space. Let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Combine Steak and Potatoes: Slice the rested steaks into strips or cubes. Add them back into the skillet with the potatoes and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped rosemary or thyme over the skillet if using, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Microwaving the potatoes before pan-cooking helps them cook faster and ensures a tender inside while allowing for a crispy finish on the outside.
- Adjust steak cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness for best results.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried rosemary or thyme can be used, but add sparingly as they are more potent.
- For a lower fat version, use less butter or substitute with a butter alternative.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron for best searing results on steak and potatoes.
