If you’re craving ultimate comfort food with a little sizzle and a whole lot of soul, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are here to save your dinner plans! Juicy, golden-seared steak bites cozy up next to crispy, melty, cheese-laden smashed potatoes—it’s a skillet match made in heaven with each bite bursting with flavor and heartiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: Both components—steak bites and cheesy potatoes—come together in a single pan for easy cooking and virtually no cleanup.
- Dinner-Table Wow Factor: The irresistible combination of garlic butter-infused steak and gooey, crispy smashed potatoes guarantees rave reviews from family or guests.
- Customizable Comfort: You can swap cheeses, play with seasonings, or pick your favorite steak cut and still achieve cheesy, buttery perfection.
- Ready in a Flash: Even with its show-stopping flavors, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes—weeknight heroes, rejoice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic in this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes recipe is that every single ingredient is purposeful—bringing richness, texture, or a pop of fresh color to the plate. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips on making each component shine!
- Sirloin steak (1 lb, cubed): Sirloin brings the perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor, but you can substitute ribeye or even filet mignon for an extra decadent treat.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Essential for that signature steakhouse sizzle and rich garlic sauce—don’t skimp!
- Garlic (2 tbsp, minced): Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic goodness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets the flavors of your steak and potatoes shine through.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a burst of color and a bit of herby freshness over the steak.
- Baby potatoes (1 lb): Small, creamy potatoes crisp up beautifully and smash easily after boiling.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to golden, gooey perfection on those crispy potatoes—sub in gouda or mozzarella to switch things up!
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the potatoes crisp up dreamily on the griddle or pan.
- Fresh chives (chopped): A classic garnish for cheesy potatoes, adding mild onion flavor and color.
Variations
While Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are absolutely irresistible as written, this recipe welcomes some playful tweaks to suit your favorite flavors or dietary needs. Here are some easy ideas to personalize your plate:
- Swap the Cheese: Go with smoked gouda for a smoky finish, mozzarella for mild stretchiness, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace steak bites with pan-seared mushrooms for a meaty, umami-packed alternative that soaks up all that garlicky butter.
- Lower-Carb Option: Use cauliflower florets in place of potatoes and smash them in the pan before adding cheese—surprisingly delicious and just as fun!
- Herb Explosion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the butter when cooking the steak for extra depth and an irresistible aroma.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil and Smash the Potatoes
Start by boiling your baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender—about 15 minutes will do the trick. Once drained and cooled just enough to handle, arrange them on a hot griddle or skillet and gently smash each one with a spatula. Don’t worry about making them perfectly flat; those little nooks and crannies are exactly where the crispy magic will happen later!
Step 2: Crisp and Cheese the Potatoes
With your potatoes flattened, drizzle a bit of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden and crisp. Next comes the fun part: blanket them with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar and cook a couple extra minutes until the cheese is gooey and irresistibly melty. Finish with a scattering of fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
In the same griddle or skillet, melt a generous amount of butter until it’s bubbly and aromatic. Toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly—just until fragrant and lightly golden (don’t walk away, garlic can go from golden to burnt in seconds!). Add your seasoned steak cubes, spreading them in a single layer, and let them sear without crowding the pan. Sauté, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until each piece is browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Finish, Garnish, and Serve
Once your steak bites are perfectly browned and swimming in that luscious garlic butter, remove them from the heat and shower with fresh chopped parsley. Arrange the steak bites and cheesy smashed potatoes on a big platter—don’t be shy with the extra pan juices!—and prepare to wow at the table. This is skillet-to-table goodness at its finest.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
- The Sear Secret: Start with a super-hot pan when cooking the steak bites—this creates those irresistible golden, crusty edges while locking in juicy flavor.
- Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic just until golden and fragrant; adding it too soon or letting it burn will turn it bitter instead of buttery and sweet.
- Smash, Don’t Mash: Gently press the potatoes flat—don’t pulverize them! You want some chunkiness for maximum texture and plenty of crispy edges.
- Cheese Last: Always add cheese once the potatoes are already crisped up—this way, it melts beautifully instead of burning.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Garnishes
A finishing touch of fresh parsley over the steak and a sprinkle of chives or even green onions over the cheesy potatoes seriously amplifies both flavor and appearance. For extra flare, add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a crack of black pepper just before serving—your plate will look restaurant-worthy and taste even better!
Side Dishes
This hearty duo doesn’t need much else, but if you want to round out your meal, add a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For something extra fresh, try a crisp cucumber-tomato salad—its brightness is the perfect foil to the richness of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the steak bites and potatoes family-style on a big wooden board, letting everyone dig in—perfect for casual gatherings! Or, plate individual servings with a little drizzle of the garlic butter pan sauce over the steak and a swoosh of sour cream beside the potatoes for a modern bistro look. Mini versions even make awesome party appetizers when you use fingerling potatoes and steak skewers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes keep beautifully! Store both components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the steak and potatoes separate, if possible, to best preserve their texture.
Freezing
While the steak bites can be frozen (just make sure to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months), potatoes are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can make them a little grainy and less crisp, though individually flash freezing on a tray first helps prevent sticking. Not ideal, but possible in a pinch!
Reheating
For best results, reheat steak bites quickly in a hot skillet to revive the buttery sear without overcooking. Potatoes crisp up beautifully in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. It’s worth skipping the microwave, which softens the potatoes and can toughen steak!
FAQs
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What’s the best cut of beef for steak bites in this recipe?
Sirloin is ideal because it’s affordable, flavorful, and gets beautifully tender when seared quickly in butter. You can swap in ribeye for extra richness or filet mignon for an ultra-tender, luxurious bite—just cut them into even 1-inch cubes for fast, even cooking.
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Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them chilled until you’re ready to crisp and cheese them on the griddle. The steak bites can be cubed and seasoned in advance, then cooked fresh for optimal flavor and juiciness.
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What cheeses work well for the smashed potatoes?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its flavor and gooey melt. That said, mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack (for a little kick!) are also wonderful choices. Feel free to mix and match based on your mood or what’s in the fridge!
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How do I keep the steak bites juicy and not overcooked?
The key is starting with a hot pan and not overcrowding the steak. Sear just until browned and don’t overcook—steak will continue to cook a bit after coming off the heat, so err on the side of slightly under if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious, fun, and satisfying Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are to make and share. This recipe turns even the simplest dinner into something special—so don’t hesitate to gather your loved ones, fire up that skillet, and dig in!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender sirloin steak bites cooked in garlic butter served with crispy smashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese. A delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into cubes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Smashed Potatoes: Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, boil baby potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly. Preheat Griddle: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Smash Potatoes: Place the boiled potatoes on the griddle and gently smash each one with a spatula until flat. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook and Add Cheese: Cook the smashed potatoes for about 10 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and cook until the cheese melts and bubbles. Garnish with chopped chives.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Melt Butter: In the same griddle or skillet, melt butter over high heat until foamy. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and lightly golden. Cook Steak: Add the cubed sirloin steak to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Garnish and Serve: Remove the steak from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the garlic butter steak bites alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes on a platter. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Steak Choice: Sirloin is suggested for its balance of flavor and tenderness, but feel free to substitute with ribeye for more richness or filet mignon for an ultra-tender bite.
- Cheese Substitution: If cheddar cheese isn’t your favorite, try mozzarella for a stretchy, mild topping or gouda for a creamy, smoky finish.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to crisp them on the griddle. Similarly, you can cube and season the steak in advance, keeping it in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat steak bites in a hot skillet for a few minutes and crisp the potatoes in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to revive the textures. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the potatoes soggy and toughen the steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
