Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes

2

Share It if your Like it

Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes is my go to dinner for the nights when I want something cozy and filling, but I do not want to babysit the stove for an hour. You know those days when you are hungry, everyone is hungry, and ordering takeout feels like it will take forever. This is the kind of meal that makes the kitchen smell amazing fast, like real dinner is happening. The best part is it feels a little fancy even though it is super simple. If you can stir, flip, and taste as you go, you can make this.

The Story Behind This Recipe

I’m Alexandraa, the cook behind this Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes. sp, I dialed in the flavors so it’s approachable and full of real-home vibes. Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes is my go to dinner for the nights when I want something cozy and filling, but I do not want to…

Alexandraa

Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe

This is the version I make most often because it is straightforward and it actually works on a regular weeknight. We are basically cooking crispy potatoes first, then quickly searing steak, then tossing everything in **garlic butter** so it tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

If you love the steak and garlic butter combo, you might also like this other cozy idea I make when I want something creamy on the side: garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan shells. Different vibe, same comfort.

Ingredients you will need

I am keeping it realistic here. No fancy stuff, just solid basics.

• Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak all work great)
• Baby potatoes or Yukon golds, cut into bite size pieces
• Butter (do not be shy, this is the flavor)
• Garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jar garlic works in a pinch)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika (optional, but I love the color and mild smoky taste)
• Fresh parsley or chives for topping (optional, but it makes it feel finished)

A quick note on steak: I usually grab whatever looks good and is not crazy expensive. If it has a little marbling, even better. And for the potatoes, I like the small waxy ones because they get crispy outside and stay creamy inside.

“I made this last night and my picky teenager actually asked for seconds. The garlic butter is everything.”

How to Make Steak and Potatoes Step by Step

This is the flow that keeps things moving without stress. The main trick is timing. Potatoes take longer than steak, so they go first. Then the steak cooks fast, and everything meets in that buttery garlic situation at the end.

Here is how I do it in one pan, or two pans if you want things even easier.

My simple method

1. Prep the potatoes: Cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same speed. Pat them dry if they are wet. Dry potatoes crisp better.
2. Cook the potatoes first: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Let them sit for a few minutes before stirring so they brown. Keep cooking and turning until they are golden and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes depending on size.
3. Move potatoes aside: If your pan is big, scoot them to the edges. If not, just put them in a bowl and cover loosely.
4. Sear the steak: Turn heat up a bit. Add another drizzle of oil if the pan is dry. Lay the steak in and do not mess with it for a couple minutes. Flip and cook until it is where you like it. For medium rare, I usually do about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
5. Rest the steak: Put steak on a plate for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Then cut into bite size pieces.
6. Make the garlic butter: Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until it smells incredible, but do not let garlic burn.
7. Toss it all together: Add steak bites and potatoes back into the pan and toss in the garlic butter. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.

This is the moment when Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes becomes that dinner people hover around. It is simple, but it hits all the comfort notes.

If you are into one pan steak nights, this is another fun one to bookmark: one pan steak bites with cheesy garlic butter noodles. Not the same as potatoes, but very weeknight friendly.

Variation Ideas

Once you make Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes a couple times, you will start riffing on it without even thinking. Here are a few easy swaps and add ons that do not require you to learn a whole new recipe.

• Add a veggie: Throw in green beans, asparagus, or broccoli near the end. You can sauté them right in the same pan after the steak comes out.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Go herby: Rosemary and thyme are amazing with steak and potatoes. Toss a pinch in with the potatoes while they cook.
• Swap the potato style: If you want a roasted vibe, these parmesan garlic roasted potatoes are a great side and still keep that garlicky comfort.
• Try a different protein: Chicken thighs also work with the same garlic butter idea, just cook them through before tossing.

Sometimes I even add mushrooms if I have them, because they soak up the butter and pan juices like little sponges. And if you are the dipping sauce type, this seafood garlic butter dipping sauce is obviously meant for seafood, but the flavor profile is similar and it is fun for extra dunking on the side.

How to Perfectly Pan-Fry a Steak

I used to overthink steak, then I realized most steak stress is just heat and timing. You do not need a grill to make a great steak at home. A hot pan and a little confidence go a long way.

Here are my best real life tips:

• Bring steak closer to room temp: Even 15 to 20 minutes on the counter helps it cook more evenly.
• Pat it dry: Moisture makes steam, not sear. Dry steak equals better crust.
• Use enough heat: You want a strong sizzle when it hits the pan.
• Do not poke it constantly: Flip once, maybe twice. Let it build that crust.
• Rest it: Five minutes feels annoying when you are hungry, but it makes it juicier.

If you like a cheesier comfort dinner vibe sometimes, totally different from steak night but still satisfying, these garlic butter bacon cheeseburger rollups are fun for weekends or game nights.

Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes is forgiving, but steak itself rewards you when you keep it simple. Salt, pepper, hot pan, butter at the end. That is the magic.

Serving Suggestions for Steak and Potatoes

This meal is already a full plate, but I still love a little something extra to make it feel like a complete dinner, especially if I am feeding family or friends.

Here are a few easy ways to serve it:

• With a quick salad: Something crisp with lemon or vinaigrette cuts through the butter.
• With a simple veggie: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or even frozen peas warmed with a bit of butter.
• With extra garlic butter on the side: Not necessary, but nobody complains.
• With bread: A warm roll or toasted bread to swipe the pan juices is honestly a dream.

I usually sprinkle parsley at the end and call it done. Also, if you have leftovers, they reheat better than you would think. I warm them in a skillet so the potatoes crisp back up a bit.

Common Questions

 

What cut of steak is best for Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes?

Sirloin is my budget friendly favorite. Ribeye is the splurge choice because it stays super juicy. Strip steak is a great middle ground.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Lower the heat before adding garlic, and stir it for only about 30 seconds. Garlic should smell fragrant, not toasted or bitter.

Can I use butter only, no olive oil?

You can, but butter can brown fast at high heat. I like mixing butter with a little olive oil for the potatoes and sear, then finishing with butter for flavor.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

They should be golden and a fork should slide in easily. If they are browning too fast but still firm, lower the heat and cover the pan for a few minutes.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Skillet is best. Medium heat, a tiny splash of water, cover for a minute, then uncover to crisp. Microwave works, but the potatoes will be softer.

Wrap it up and make it tonight

If you want a dinner that feels comforting and a little special without a ton of work, Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes is the move. The potatoes get crispy, the steak stays juicy, and the garlic butter ties it all together in the simplest way. I hope you try it soon and tweak it to match your taste, because it is one of those recipes that gets better the more you make it. If you want another trusted take for comparison, I like checking out Steak and Potatoes Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®, and this one is great when you feel like adding greens: Pan-Fried Garlic Butter Steak with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus. Now go grab that skillet and let your kitchen smell like garlic butter heaven.