Garlic Butter Steak & Potato Skillet

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A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Weeknights & Weekend Comfort Meals

If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish but can be made easily at home in just 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat. This Garlic Butter Steak & Potato Skillet is everything a steak lover dreams of: juicy sirloin steaks seared to perfection, golden potatoes cooked until crisp and tender, and a rich, aromatic garlic-herb butter sauce that ties everything together.

Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this one-pan recipe delivers big on flavor and convenience.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Steak & Seasoning:

  • 4 petite sirloin steaks (about 1½ lbs total)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Potatoes:

  • 3 cups baby red or russet potatoes, quartered (about 4 medium)

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (¼ cup), softened

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (3/8 cup), softened

  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra chopped parsley

  • Lemon wedges

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

  • Large ovenproof skillet or cast iron pan

  • Tongs

  • Cutting board and sharp knife

  • Mixing bowls

  • Spatula or wooden spoon

  • Foil (for tenting steaks while they rest)

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Ingredients

Wash and quarter the potatoes, ensuring they’re all relatively the same size for even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so don’t skip this step.

2. Season the Steaks

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly onto both sides of each steak. Let the steaks sit at room temperature while you prep the rest—this helps with even cooking.

3. Cook the Potatoes

  • Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Toss the quartered potatoes with 2 tablespoons butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  • Add the potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown on the outside and fork-tender inside.

  • Push the potatoes to one side of the pan to make room for the steaks.

4. Sear the Steaks

  • Add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil to the other side of the skillet.

  • Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot pan. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes to form a flavorful crust. For medium-rare, remove when the internal temp reaches 130–135°F.

  • Transfer both the steaks and potatoes to a plate and tent with foil. This helps the steaks rest and allows the juices to redistribute for ultimate tenderness.

5. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

  • In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened butter, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley.

  • Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Add the herb butter and let it melt, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is flavor gold.

  • Stir until the butter is fully melted and the herbs are fragrant.

6. Assemble & Serve

  • Return the steaks and potatoes to the skillet, spooning the garlic-herb butter over everything.

  • Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

  • Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic and satisfying presentation.

Total Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – ¼ of Recipe)

  • Calories: ~550 kcal

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 38g

  • Carbs: 20g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Sodium: 600mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and cuts of meat used.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to round out your Garlic Butter Steak & Potato Skillet into a complete meal? Here are some ideas:

  • Fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

  • Garlic roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli

  • Crusty bread to mop up the herb butter

  • A crisp Chardonnay or bold Cabernet Sauvignon

Pro Tips for Success

Use an ovenproof skillet

A cast iron skillet holds heat beautifully and ensures the steak sears evenly. It also goes from stovetop to oven with no problem if you want to finish under a broiler.

Choose the Right Cut

Petite sirloin is affordable and flavorful, but you can swap in New York strip, ribeye, or filet mignon if you’re going for extra luxe.

Rest Before Slicing

Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes under foil before cutting. This prevents all the juices from running out and keeps the meat moist.

Herb Swaps

Not a fan of thyme? Try rosemary, basil, or even a dash of oregano. Fresh herbs are always best for aroma and taste, but dried will work in a pinch.

Potato Varieties

You can use baby red, Yukon gold, or even sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more nutrient-dense twist.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Cajun Twist

Replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning, and add a dash of smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a smoky kick.

Mushroom Medley

Add a handful of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the potatoes for extra umami richness.

Double Garlic Boost

If you’re a garlic fanatic, mince 2 fresh garlic cloves and add them to the skillet just before the butter melts for even more aromatic depth.

Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese after baking for a melty finish.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make-Ahead:

You can season the steaks and prep the potatoes a day ahead. Store in separate airtight containers in the fridge.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or olive oil, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezing:

The cooked potatoes may get mushy after freezing, so this dish is best eaten fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak & Potato Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable go-to meal you’ll crave again and again. It checks all the boxes: quick, easy, family-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. With its luscious garlic butter sauce and the perfect balance of crispy potatoes and juicy steak, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something worth savoring.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a date night at home, a weekend dinner with friends, or just need something amazing after a long day, this recipe won’t let you down.

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