If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy (without requiring chef-level skills), Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes delivers big time. This one-pan wonder pairs crispy, golden potatoes with juicy steak cubes bathed in garlicky, herby butter. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat, but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or make your family’s Tuesday night spectacular, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes is the answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something special about a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic. Each item here has a starring role in building flavor and ensuring dinner is anything but boring—so don’t skimp!
- Baby gold potatoes: Creamy inside with thin skin that crisps up beautifully—perfect for smashing and roasting!
- Sirloin steak: Tender and flavorful, sirloin cubes sear quickly and stay juicy—a winning choice for steak bites.
- Olive oil: Divided for both potatoes and steak, it helps everything get that gorgeous golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: The base of our luscious garlic herbal sauce; choose quality for maximum richness.
- Garlic cloves: Six might seem like a lot, but the punchy aroma is what makes these steak bites irresistible.
- Fresh rosemary: Earthy and piney, it infuses both steak and potatoes with an herby depth.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color at the finish—don’t skip it!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously! They draw out and enhance every other ingredient.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a whisper of heat that balances the richness—sprinkle as much or as little as you like.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your baby gold potatoes in a big pot of salted water. This is your secret to perfectly seasoned, tender spuds. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes—just until they easily yield to a fork. Don’t overcook, or they’ll fall apart when you smash them later!
Step 2: Smash and Roast the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are fork-tender, drain them and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now comes the fun: use the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each potato, flattening them but keeping them in one piece. Drizzle with half the olive oil, then shower them generously with salt and pepper. Slide the tray into your preheated oven (425°F) and roast for 20–25 minutes, until they’re golden brown with irresistibly crispy edges.
Step 3: Prepare Your Steak Bites
While the potatoes get crispy, turn your attention to the steak. Cube the sirloin and season all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper—you want every single bite packed with flavor. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak in batches. Give each side 1–2 minutes, just enough to develop a crust while keeping the inside juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches for the best browning.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
Reduce the heat to medium (so the garlic doesn’t burn) and add the butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to the same skillet you cooked the steak in. Let it sizzle and become fragrant—about 1–2 minutes should do it. This dreamy mixture will cling to every steak bite and seriously elevate the potatoes, too.
Step 5: Finish the Steak Bites
Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the fragrant garlic butter until they’re coated and glistening. The aroma is mouthwatering, and this step ensures all those savory flavors soak right into the meat. Now you’re ready to serve everything up with plenty of pan sauce for drizzling.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Go big on fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herby brightness. For a savory twist, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the potatoes is pure bliss, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Don’t underestimate a squeeze of lemon over the steak bites—just a little enhances all that richness.
Side Dishes
While Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes is hearty enough to steal the spotlight alone, a crisp, lemony green salad is the perfect way to lighten the plate. Roasted asparagus or green beans are also favorites in my house, especially when you drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce on top.
Creative Ways to Present
For date night, heap everything together on a large platter, letting the juices from the steak mingle with the crispy potatoes. Hosting friends? Serve the steak bites as skewers, with individual smashed potatoes on the side. For a casual spin, top a bowl of potatoes with a mountain of garlic butter steak bites for a decadent steak-and-potato bowl that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Steak and potatoes will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—making for one seriously satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the steak bites and potatoes separately in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just keep in mind, the potatoes won’t be quite as crispy after freezing, but their flavor will still be spot on.
Reheating
To recapture that mouthwatering just-cooked texture, reheat potatoes uncovered in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy (about 10 minutes). Warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra butter and garlic if you want to freshen up the flavor. Avoid microwaving the steak bites for too long to prevent them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sirloin is my go-to for tenderness and flavor, ribeye or New York strip also work beautifully. Just make sure to cut them into even, bite-sized cubes so everything cooks evenly.
What’s the secret to getting potatoes super crispy?
Drying the potatoes well after boiling and using plenty of olive oil before roasting make all the difference. Also, resist crowding the pan so each potato has room to crisp up!
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes dairy-free?
You sure can! Swap the butter for a quality vegan alternative, and you’ll still end up with mouthwatering garlic steak bites and golden potatoes without any dairy.
What’s the best way to prep this meal ahead of time?
Boil and smash your potatoes earlier in the day, then chill them until you’re ready to roast. You can also cube and season the steak in advance, making dinnertime a breeze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes is completely gluten-free as written, so it’s a smart pick for anyone avoiding gluten without compromising on flavor or comfort.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes is a favorite at my table—it’s easy, striking, and unbelievably tasty. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, I hope you’ll give it a try and experience just how rewarding homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender sirloin steak bites coated in a savory garlic butter sauce served alongside crispy smashed baby gold potatoes, this recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients
Baby Gold Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds baby gold potatoes
Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare Potatoes: Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, then smash flat and roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Steak: Season steak cubes and sear in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: In the skillet, sauté garlic, rosemary, and butter. Add steak bites back and coat.
- Serve: Garnish steak bites with parsley and serve alongside smashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, finish with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon.
- Swap rosemary for thyme if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
