Looking for a one-pan meal that checks all the boxes—juicy, crispy, flavorful, and fast? This garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe is your new go-to. In this post, we’ll cover everything from the best cut of beef to use, how to get those potatoes golden and tender, and whether to cook the steak or potatoes first. Plus, we’ll dive into how to whip up the most mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that ties it all together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a treat-yourself weekend plate, this dish delivers serious comfort food magic.
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Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes That Started It All
Dinner That Changed Everything
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and the kind of person who believes garlic butter should probably be its own food group. This garlic butter steak and potatoes dish wasn’t something I planned—it was born out of hunger and timing. One late Friday, I found steak in the fridge, baby potatoes in the pantry, and butter and garlic always in stock (of course). What came next was pure gold: juicy steak bites cooked to perfection, nestled next to crispy, buttery potatoes all in one skillet. I served it to my husband without fuss, and he said the words that stuck: “That’s not just dinner, that’s restaurant stuff.”
He cleaned the plate. Then the pan. And then asked when I’d make it again.
That’s when I knew garlic butter steak and potatoes deserved a spot in our dinner rotation. Simple ingredients, full flavor, and fewer dishes—this meal is a home run for anyone craving real food without a full sink afterward.
Why It Works—Every Time
Garlic butter steak and potatoes work because it brings two crowd-pleasers together in one skillet. The steak sears in its own juices while picking up the richness of garlic-infused butter, and the potatoes get crispy edges that contrast beautifully with their soft centers. Add in a pinch of herbs and you’ve got the kind of comfort food that makes even a Tuesday night feel special.
You can switch up the cut of steak (like I do sometimes with this Beef Bavette Steak Recipe), or add a twist of heat like in my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Penne), but the garlic butter core never fails.
This dish isn’t fancy—it’s just Dailycious.
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Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
Juicy garlic butter steak and golden potatoes cooked together in one skillet. A satisfying, flavor-packed dinner perfect for weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add potatoes cut side down. Cook 10–12 minutes until golden and tender. Remove from pan.
2. Season steak cubes with salt and pepper. In the same pan, sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked. Remove from pan.
3. Reduce heat. Add butter and garlic to pan. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Return potatoes and steak to skillet. Toss with garlic butter until well coated.
5. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use a cast iron skillet for best browning.
Let steak sit at room temperature 20 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Making Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Right—Every Time
How to Choose the Best Steak for Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
Not all steaks cook the same, and that’s especially true in a one-pan dish like garlic butter steak and potatoes. You want a cut that cooks quickly, holds its juices, and caramelizes well. I always reach for sirloin or New York strip—tender enough for a fast skillet sear but hearty enough to stand up to that luscious garlic butter.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try Bavette Steak Tagliata—it slices beautifully and soaks up flavor like a dream. Just make sure to cut your steak into bite-sized cubes or strips for even cooking.
Cooking Sequence: Potatoes First or Steak First?
The biggest question people ask about garlic butter steak and potatoes is, “What goes in the skillet first?” Here’s the answer: always start with the potatoes.
They take longer to cook through and benefit from a good crisp. I halve baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes, toss them in a little oil, and let them sizzle undisturbed until golden. Once tender (about 10–12 minutes), I scoop them out and sear the steak in the same pan—those crusty bits left behind from the potatoes give the beef an extra boost of flavor.
After the steak’s done, I return the potatoes to the pan, melt in a pat of butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley. Just like that, the garlic butter steak and potatoes transform into a skillet full of savory joy.
Craving a heartier bite? Add sautéed mushrooms like in my Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken for extra depth.
And yes, the garlic butter gets into everything.
Flavor Tips & Easy Customizations for Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
Simple Add-Ins to Elevate Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
You don’t need a dozen ingredients to make garlic butter steak and potatoes shine, but adding the right flavor boosters takes things from “yum” to “WOW.” For starters, always use real butter—preferably unsalted so you control the saltiness. Mince your garlic fresh and don’t be shy. Three to four cloves deliver a beautiful aromatic base.
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley go a long way here. Toss them in with the garlic butter or sprinkle on top before serving. Want a touch of heat? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the butter right before it melts. This method is inspired by the smoky kick in my Honey Glazed Steak Strips—sweet, spicy, and addictive.
You can also finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each small tweak changes the whole tone of the dish, while the heart stays the same.
Make It a Meal with These Add-Ons
Garlic butter steak and potatoes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other simple dishes. I love serving it with roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or a basic side salad.
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it casserole-style—steak, potatoes, and a handful of shredded cheese baked just until bubbly. Sounds over the top? It’s basically the hearty cousin to my Potato and Chicken Casserole, but this one’s all about beefy goodness.
Got leftovers? Reheat them in a skillet the next day and top with a fried egg for the most satisfying brunch situation you didn’t know you needed.
The garlic butter base makes everything taste like comfort, and that’s what keeps this meal on repeat in our house.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
This dish is best fresh off the skillet, but leftovers are still incredibly satisfying. Let everything cool before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, skip the microwave. Instead, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or butter to revive the flavors. The garlic butter re-melts and wraps the steak and potatoes in its savory hug all over again.
Want to repurpose leftovers? Add them to a wrap with greens or turn it into a breakfast hash, it’s even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to cook steak in garlic butter?
Absolutely. Garlic butter enhances the steak’s natural richness while adding depth and fragrance. It also helps keep leaner cuts juicy and flavorful. Add the butter near the end so it doesn’t burn, and spoon it over the steak for maximum coverage.
How to make the best garlic butter potatoes?
Use small baby potatoes and cook them cut-side down until golden and crispy. Once tender, toss them in the garlic butter and finish with herbs. The trick? Let them brown undisturbed before flipping. That’s how you get that addictive crust like in Dorito Chicken Mexican Casserole, where textures matter.
How to make a nice garlic butter for steak?
Melt unsalted butter over low heat, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant. Add salt, cracked pepper, parsley, and optional lemon juice or chili flakes. Keep the heat low so the garlic doesn’t burn—it should bloom, not crisp.
Should I cook potatoes or steak first?
Cook the potatoes first. They take longer and develop better flavor when crisped properly. Then remove them and sear the steak. Once both are cooked, combine with garlic butter for that final, flavorful finish.
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes: The Skillet Hero You’ll Come Back To
Garlic butter steak and potatoes is the kind of meal that sticks with you—not just in flavor, but in memory. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple. The kind you can whip up after a long day or serve to guests and still impress. Whether you’re following it exactly or adding your own twist, this is comfort food at its finest.
From crispy potatoes to seared steak smothered in rich garlic butter, it’s a meal that delivers big on taste with minimal fuss. And that’s what Dailycious is all about—simple, soul-satisfying, real food. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly ritual.
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