If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe. Tender, juicy steak cubes seared to perfection and bathed in fragrant garlic butter come together with crispy, golden smashed potatoes loaded with gooey cheddar and Parmesan cheese. This recipe brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in a way that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures, from the richness of butter to the sharpness of fresh herbs, making every bite unforgettable.
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 ½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy, tender steak bites.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and potatoes, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons total): Used both for cooking steak and roasting potatoes, bringing crispiness and a subtle fruity note.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Crucial for that rich, garlicky coating on the steak bites.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic intensity and depth to the butter sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Brightens up the dish with a splash of fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Perfectly bite-sized to smash and roast into crispy, cheesy delights.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on the potatoes for creamy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a wonderful salty, nutty kick.
- Chopped chives or parsley (1 tablespoon for garnish): Offers a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F while you boil the baby potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender—this step gets them soft inside while setting the stage for crispy edges later. After draining and cooling slightly, place them on a greased baking sheet. Gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass, then drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper for that perfect roast. Roast them until golden and crisp, then top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese and return to the oven until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible blanket atop your potatoes. Finally, sprinkle with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
While your potatoes roast, generously season the cubed steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites in batches so they brown beautifully on all sides in 2–3 minutes per batch. Once cooked, set them aside to rest. Lower the heat to medium, then add butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about one minute, making sure not to burn it. Toss the steak bites back into the skillet, coating them in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of herbaceous brightness.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Arrange the garlic butter steak bites alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes on your favorite serving dish. The sizzling steak alongside the tender, cheesy potatoes creates a balance of textures and flavors that’s nothing short of comforting perfection.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only adds vibrant color but also lends a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness, making every bite more balanced and exciting.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this into an even heartier meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of butter and garlic for extra comfort on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the steak bites heaped on a wooden board with the cheesy smashed potatoes in small ramekins alongside. This makes a rustic yet elegant presentation that encourages everyone to dig in and share the deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites and smashed potatoes can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate if possible to maintain the best texture, then reheat gently.
Freezing
While steak bites freeze fairly well, cheesy smashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh because freezing can affect their texture. If you do freeze leftovers, use them within 1 month and expect a slight change in crispiness.
Reheating
Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep them tender and juicy. For the smashed potatoes, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to revive that crispy exterior and melted cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank or strip steak. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.
What type of potatoes work best for smashed potatoes?
Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they have a thin skin and creamy interior that crisps up beautifully when smashed and roasted.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic and herbs?
Fresh garlic and herbs make a significant difference in flavor and aroma, giving the dish a vibrant, fresh quality that dried versions can’t quite match.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Sear the steak cubes in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure they brown quickly and evenly. Cooking time is short—2 to 3 minutes per side—to keep them juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is like creating a cozy celebration on your plate. The blend of bold, buttery steak bites with indulgently cheesy smashed potatoes offers comfort and excitement in every bite. I can’t recommend it enough for a weeknight treat or your next dinner gathering. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this delightful dish — it’s worth every single delicious moment!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful American main course featuring tender, seared steak cubes tossed in garlic butter alongside crispy oven-roasted baby potatoes smothered in melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines rich, savory steak with cheesy, crispy potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place the potatoes on a greased baking sheet and gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the potatoes with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
- Make the Steak Bites: While the potatoes are roasting, season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter steak bites hot alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak briefly in olive oil, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce before cooking.
- The smashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated with cheese when ready to serve for convenience.
