Craving a hearty meal that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort? This Seared Steak & Garlic Butter Potatoes Skillet hits the spot every time. I made this on a chilly evening when I wanted something rich and soul-warming—without babysitting the stove all night—and it delivered big time.

The steak was incredibly tender, the potatoes were golden and crispy, and the garlic butter brought it all together with savory perfection. It’s made with simple ingredients, but the flavor feels like something from your favorite bistro. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup and big flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning a cozy date night, or just want an easy dinner that satisfies, this dish is a winner. I like serving it straight from the skillet with a side of greens and a warm slice of bread—but honestly, it stands strong all on its own.

What are Seared Steak & Garlic Butter Potatoes?

This dish is an all-in-one skillet meal featuring bite-sized steak pieces and crispy, pan-seared potatoes, all tossed in a fragrant garlic herb butter. Typically made with sirloin or ribeye and baby potatoes, it’s a rustic, hearty dinner that feels both comforting and elevated. The steak gets beautifully caramelized on the outside while staying juicy inside, and the potatoes are cooked until golden and tender. Everything gets coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce for irresistible flavor in every bite.

Perfect For:

Busy Weeknights: A full, satisfying dinner in just about 30 minutes—no hassle.
Budget-Friendly Steak Night: Enjoy steakhouse flavors at home without spending big.
Family-Favorite Meal: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—easy to adjust spice or toppings to everyone’s liking.
Date Night at Home: Feels fancy without requiring any special culinary skills.

Ingredients

1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
4 tablespoons butter
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large cast-iron or non-stick skillet
Tongs or a sturdy spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl (to season the steak)
Paper towels (for drying the steak pieces)

How to Make Seared Steak & Garlic Butter Potatoes

Step 1:

Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped potatoes and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crisp outside and fork-tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 2:

While the potatoes cook, season your steak with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Sear the steak pieces in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Set them aside once done.

Step 3:

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Stir gently for about a minute, just until fragrant.

Step 4:

Return the potatoes and steak to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter and heated through. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

Room-Temp Steak: Helps the meat cook more evenly and get a better sear.
Dry Before Cooking: Pat steak pieces dry to prevent steaming and help browning.
Batch Cook: Give each piece space in the pan so it sears instead of stews.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let steak sit for a few minutes so the juices redistribute.
Add Butter & Garlic at the End: Keeps the garlic from burning and preserves its rich flavor.
Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of color and brightness.
Smaller Potato Chunks: Cut them small for quicker cooking and crispier edges.

Optional Ingredients

Parmesan Cheese: Add a sprinkle before serving for nutty, savory depth.
Crushed Red Pepper: For a mild heat kick that complements the garlic.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Cook alongside the steak for a rich, umami boost.
Lemon Zest or Juice: Adds a zippy freshness that balances the richness.
Smoked Paprika: For a deeper flavor and a hint of smokiness.
Onion Wedges: Toss in with the potatoes for caramelized sweetness.

What to Pair With Seared Steak & Garlic Butter Potatoes?

Round out the meal with a fresh, crunchy salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Think arugula, cherry tomatoes, or shaved radishes.

You can also serve this with a side of steamed veggies like green beans, asparagus, or sautéed spinach to add color and balance.

For a cozy vibe, go with buttered corn on the cob or roasted Brussels sprouts. And if you’re feeling indulgent, pour a glass of your favorite red wine or sparkling water and follow dinner with a simple dessert like dark chocolate or baked apples.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken & Potatoes: Swap steak for boneless chicken thighs or breasts—just as satisfying and great for lighter meals.
Sweet Potato Twist: Sub in sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and a different texture.
Herb Butter Boost: Stir in fresh thyme, oregano, or basil for more depth in the butter sauce.
Asian Fusion: Mix garlic butter with soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil for a flavorful twist.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet before serving—melty and indulgent.
Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a keto-friendly version.
BBQ Version: Use BBQ seasoning and a bit of sauce for a smoky-sweet profile.
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the steak and serve with avocado, lime, and sour cream.

How to Store

Let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a touch of oil or butter to restore crispiness.

You can also freeze it—just note that potatoes may soften slightly when thawed. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stove for best results.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely. Ribeye, New York strip, or even filet tips work great. Just cut them into small cubes and adjust cooking time.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes?
Nope—if they’re cut small, they’ll cook through in the skillet. You can parboil if you’re short on time.

How do I keep the steak tender?
Avoid overcooking. Sear quickly on high heat and let the steak rest before serving.

Best potatoes to use?
Baby gold or red potatoes are ideal—they hold their shape and crisp up beautifully.

Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Chop and season everything earlier in the day and cook when ready. Leftovers reheat well, too.

Oven method?
Totally doable. Roast potatoes at 425°F until nearly cooked, then add steak bites and finish together in the oven.

Spicy?
Not by default, but easy to spice up with chili flakes or cayenne.

Frozen ingredients okay?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and dry well before cooking to avoid soggy results.

Seared Steak & Garlic Butter Potatoes Skillet

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Recipe by: Wasian Cookery
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Description:
A one-pan comfort meal featuring juicy steak bites and golden potatoes tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect mix of rustic, quick, and completely satisfying.

Ingredients

1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 tbsp butter
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 12–15 minutes until golden and fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
Season steak with salt, pepper, and herbs. In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter