This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is the ultimate easy comfort meal. Tender, juicy bites of steak and crispy golden potatoes are cooked together in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a satisfying dinner with plenty of flavor. Best of all, everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Potatoes
- 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly sized halves or quarters.
If using larger potatoes, cut them into small bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water and microwave for 4–5 minutes to partially soften them. This step is optional but helps shorten the skillet cooking time.
Drain and pat the potatoes dry.
2. Season the Steak
Place the steak pieces in a bowl and season with:
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, if using
Toss until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes cut-side down and cook for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Transfer the potatoes to a plate.
4. Sear the Steak
Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
Increase the heat to high and add the seasoned steak pieces in a single layer.
Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces and your preferred doneness.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
Transfer the steak to a plate.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked potatoes and steak to the skillet.
Toss everything together in the garlic butter, allowing the steak and potatoes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and a little freshly cracked black pepper.
For extra richness, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips for the Best Steak and Potatoes
- Use a heavy skillet: Cast iron works especially well for getting a beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving the steak enough space helps it brown instead of steam.
- Cut everything evenly: Uniform potato pieces cook more consistently.
- Pat the steak dry: Removing excess moisture helps create a better crust.
- Add garlic near the end: Garlic can burn quickly, so add it after the steak and potatoes have browned.
- Let the steak rest briefly: A few minutes of resting helps retain its juices.
Variations
Add Vegetables
Toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, or asparagus for a complete one-pan meal.
Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan over everything during the final minute of cooking.
Add Bacon
Cook a few slices of chopped bacon in the skillet first, then use some of the rendered fat to cook the potatoes for an extra-rich flavor.
What to Serve With It
This skillet meal is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread
- Creamy coleslaw
- Sautéed green beans
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the steak and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. This helps bring back some of the crispiness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: One-Pan Skillet