Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes – The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal

Few things are as satisfying as a sizzling skillet of juicy steak bites paired with golden, crispy potatoes. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes recipe delivers big on flavor, texture, and comfort — all in one pan.

The steak is seared to perfection, the potatoes are buttery and crisp on the outside, tender inside, and the whole dish is brought together with a fragrant garlic herb butter that coats everything in rich, savory goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and cozy enough for date night in.

Whether you’re a steak lover or just in the mood for hearty, skillet-style comfort food, this one’s a guaranteed favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan simplicity – minimal cleanup
Ready in under 40 minutes
Perfect balance of crispy potatoes + juicy steak
Garlic butter makes it irresistibly rich
Ideal for dinner, date nights, or meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and basic seasonings to let the steak and potatoes shine.

For the Steak Bites

1½ lbs sirloin steak, ribeye, or strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)

For the Potatoes

1½ lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Best Cuts of Steak for Steak Bites

Sirloin – Tender, affordable, and flavorful
Ribeye – Rich and marbled, perfect for indulgence
New York Strip – Slightly firmer, great beefy flavor
Tenderloin – Most tender, but pricey

Tip: Trim excess fat and cut into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes

Here’s how to cook this delicious one-pan meal step by step:

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat.

Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown.

Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium-high heat.

Place steak cubes in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Let them sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

Remove the steak and set aside with the potatoes.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.

Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice if using.

Return the steak and potatoes to the pan and toss to coat them in the garlic butter.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot and garnish with extra parsley or cracked pepper. Serve with lemon wedges or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Tips for Perfect Steak Bites & Potatoes

Use a hot pan – You want a good sear on the steak.
Don’t overcrowd – Cook steak in batches to avoid steaming.
Cut evenly – Both steak and potatoes should be bite-sized and similar in size for even cooking.
Dry the steak – Pat steak dry before seasoning to help browning.
Finish with garlic butter – Add garlic last to prevent burning.

Recipe Variations

This dish is flexible and easy to customize:

Add Veggies

Green beans – Steam or sauté with the potatoes
Broccoli or asparagus – Add during the last few minutes of cooking
Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic for a deeper umami note

Spice It Up

Add more red pepper flakes
Toss in Cajun seasoning or chili powder with the steak

Make It Cheesy

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot garlic butter steak and potatoes before serving

Low Carb Version

Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or radishes sautéed the same way

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can easily round it out with these sides:

Garlic bread or baguette slices
Side salad with lemon vinaigrette or creamy dressing
Sautéed spinach or kale
Steamed veggies like broccoli or peas
Grilled corn on the cob or roasted carrots

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Keep steak and potatoes together for easy reheating

Reheat

Best reheated in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of butter or olive oil
Microwave in short bursts (30–45 seconds), stirring between intervals

Freeze

You can freeze cooked steak and potatoes for up to 2 months
Reheat from frozen in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth

Meal Prep Tips

Cook in advance – Steak and potatoes reheat well
Portion individually – Store in containers for grab-and-go meals
Double the batch – Make extras for lunches or dinners during the week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. Roast the potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes. Sear steak bites separately in a hot skillet and toss everything in garlic butter before serving.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A cast iron skillet gives the best sear and heat retention, but stainless steel or a heavy-bottom nonstick skillet also works.

Can I use frozen steak?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before searing to prevent steaming and ensure good browning.

Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly, depending on how much red pepper you use. You can omit it entirely for a milder version.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Dice and cook the same way. Sweet potatoes add a delicious touch of sweetness to balance the garlic butter.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Based on 4 servings using sirloin and baby potatoes

Calories: 550–650
Protein: 35–40g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 35–40g
Fiber: 3–4g
Sugar: 1–2g

Reduce butter or use leaner steak to lighten it up

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes recipe is what comfort food dreams are made of. It’s savory, garlicky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with golden potatoes that soak up all that rich butter and steak flavor.

Perfect for cozy nights in, meal prep lunches, or a quick dinner that feels indulgent — this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.