There's something incredibly satisfying about a dinner that looks fancy enough for company but is actually simple enough to make on a busy weeknight when you're craving real comfort food. I stumbled upon this garlic steak bites and potatoes combination during one of those evenings when I had some steak in the fridge, leftover baby potatoes, and absolutely zero desire to dirty multiple pans. What started as a "throw everything in one skillet and hope for the best" experiment turned into our family's most requested dinner that delivers steakhouse flavors without the steakhouse prices or cleanup hassle.
What is Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes
Garlic steak bites and potatoes is a one pan skillet dinner featuring tender cubes of seared steak and crispy-outside, fluffy inside baby potatoes, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. The dish combines the best of both comfort food worlds; perfectly cooked steak that's juicy and flavorful, paired with golden potatoes that soak up all those amazing pan drippings and garlic butter flavors. It's essentially a deconstructed steak dinner that's much easier to make and even more fun to eat.
How To Make Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes
Our one-pan garlic steak bites use a two-step cooking method that ensures the potatoes get perfectly crispy while the steak stays tender and juicy. The secret is starting with the potatoes first since they take longer to cook, then adding the steak at just the right moment so everything finishes together in a pool of garlicky, herby butter sauce. This technique gives you restaurant-quality results with the convenience of cooking everything in one skillet.
Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Steak:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Hannah's Step by Step Method
Get Potatoes Golden and Crispy
- Heat olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Add halved potatoes cut-side down, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary
- Cook without moving for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy
- Flip and cook another 8-10 minutes until fork-tender
Prep Steak for Perfect Searing
- While potatoes cook, cut steak into uniform 1-inch cubes
- Pat completely dry with paper towels for better browning
- Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking
- Room temperature steak sears better than cold steak
Sear Steak to Perfection
- Push potatoes to one side of skillet, add more oil if needed
- Add steak cubes in single layer, don't overcrowd
- Sear 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness
- The key is high heat and not moving them too early
Finish with Garlic Butter Magic
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the pan
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
- Toss everything together with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes
- The butter sauce brings everything together into pure comfort
What Pairs Well With Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes?
This hearty garlic steak bites and potatoes dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli for color and freshness. Try it alongside crusty bread to soak up all that amazing garlic butter sauce, or serve with a glass of red wine for a complete steakhouse experience. For lighter options, pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp Caesar salad.
Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Variations
Slow Cooker Comfort:
- Brown steak and potatoes first, then transfer to slow cooker
- Add garlic butter ingredients and cook on low 4 hours
- Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to dinner
- Same flavors with hands-off convenience
Air Fryer Quick Version:
- Cook potatoes in air fryer first at 400°F for 15 minutes
- Add seasoned steak cubes and cook 8-10 minutes more
- Toss with garlic butter sauce after cooking
- Crispy results with less oil
Herb Lover's Dream:
- Add fresh rosemary, sage, and oregano to garlic butter
- Include lemon zest for brightness
- Extra herbs make it feel even more restaurant-fancy
- Perfect for special occasions
Creamy Mashed Potato Version:
- Serve steak bites over creamy mashed potatoes instead
- The garlic butter sauce becomes an incredible gravy
- More comfort food, less crispy texture
- Ultimate cold weather dinner
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Sharp knife for uniform steak cutting
- Tongs for easy flipping
- Paper towels for drying steak
Storage Tips for Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes
Best Fresh
Serve immediately while steak is still juicy and potatoes are crispy. The contrast in textures is what makes this dish special.
Leftover Magic
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet over medium heat to restore some crispness to the potatoes.
Make-Ahead Prep
Cut steak and potatoes ahead of time, but cook fresh for best results. The entire dish cooks so quickly that prep is the most time-consuming part.
Tips for Top Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes
- Cut steak into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly
- Don't skip drying the steak; moisture prevents proper browning
- Let potatoes get truly golden before flipping for maximum crispiness
- Use fresh garlic, not jarred, for the best flavor in the butter sauce
- Don't overcook the steak; it continues cooking in the hot pan after searing
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the final flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work perfectly. Choose cuts that are tender and cook quickly for the best bite-sized results.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown everything first, then slow cook on low for 4 hours. The texture will be different but still delicious and convenient.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
For medium-rare, sear 2-3 minutes per side. The steak should feel slightly firm but still have some give when pressed.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut them into 1-inch chunks and adjust cooking time as needed for tenderness.
One Pan Perfection Made Simple
Now you have the secret to creating this incredible garlic steak bites and potatoes dinner that proves the best meals don't have to be complicated. This recipe shows that with good technique and quality ingredients, you can create restaurant-worthy dinners in your own kitchen with minimal cleanup.
Ready for more one-pan wonders? Try our Au Gratin Potatoes for creamy, cheesy comfort, or explore our Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for hearty casserole convenience. For classic comfort, our Homemade Salisbury Steak uses similar beef techniques with rich gravy results.
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Related
Looking for other recipes like garlic steak bites and potatoes? Try these:
- Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe35 Minutes
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites18 Minutes
- Easy Black Pepper Chicken27 Minutes
- Kielbasa and Green Beans & Potatoes40 Minutes
Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes Skillet
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet (Heavy-bottomed, 12-inch recommended)
- 1 Sharp knife (For cutting steak into even 1-inch cubes)
- 1 Tongs (Essential for flipping steak bites)
- 1 Paper towel roll (To dry steak before searing)
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs Baby potatoes - Halved
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper - Freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary - Dried
For the Steak
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak - Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper - Freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil - For searing steak
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoon Butter - Unsalted preferred
- 6 cloves Garlic - Minced
- 2 tablespoon Parsley - Fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Thyme leaves - Fresh
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes - Optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Halve baby potatoes and season.
- Sear cut-side down until golden and tender.
- Cut steak into 1-inch cubes and pat dry.
- Add salt and pepper right before searing.
- Add to skillet without overcrowding, sear both sides.
- Lower heat, melt butter, sauté garlic.
- Toss steak and potatoes in garlic butter and herbs.
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