If you’re a steak lover, this dish is going to be your new favorite. These garlic butter steak bites are cooked to perfection—seared on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and coated in a flavorful, buttery garlic sauce. Each bite is rich, savory, and bursting with umami goodness.
Paired with crispy, golden smashed potatoes topped with melty cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this meal is the ultimate comfort food. The contrast between the creamy, cheesy potatoes and the bold, garlicky steak makes every bite satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will be a hit at your table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes:
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cooked potatoes on the baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and crispy.
- Cook the Steak Bites: While potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak bites with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add them to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then return steak bites to the pan. Toss to coat in the buttery garlic sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the crispy cheesy smashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
A Perfect Steak and Potato Combo
This dish is the perfect balance of rich, buttery steak bites and crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes. The steak bites are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce that enhances their tenderness and taste, while the smashed potatoes bring a crunchy, cheesy contrast that makes this meal unforgettable. It’s quick to prepare and full of restaurant-quality flavors—ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend treat.
Origin and Cooking Techniques
This dish takes inspiration from classic steakhouse flavors, where butter, garlic, and seared beef are key components. The garlic butter steak bites technique is a convenient way to cook steak quickly without losing flavor. Instead of cooking a whole steak, bite-sized pieces are seared in a hot pan, ensuring that every surface gets a delicious golden crust while the inside remains juicy and tender.
The cheesy smashed potatoes method originates from a combination of crispy roasted potatoes and creamy mashed potatoes. By boiling the potatoes first, then smashing and roasting them with cheese, you get a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior—similar to a cross between mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Steak Bites:
- Sirloin Steak: A tender, flavorful cut that cooks quickly. You can also use ribeye or New York strip for a richer taste.
- Garlic Butter: A mix of butter and fresh garlic enhances the steak’s juiciness and adds deep, savory flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the meat.
- Fresh Parsley: A fresh, herbal contrast that balances the richness of the butter.
For the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes:
- Baby Potatoes: Their small size makes them ideal for smashing while keeping a soft interior. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best.
- Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese: The combination of sharp cheddar and salty Parmesan creates a rich, golden crust.
- Olive Oil & Spices: Helps crisp up the potatoes, giving them that perfect crunchy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Rich, Buttery Flavor: The garlic butter steak bites melt in your mouth.
✔️ Cheesy, Crispy Potatoes: The best of both mashed and roasted potatoes.
✔️ Family-Friendly: A dish that’s both comforting and satisfying for all ages.
✔️ One-Pan Steak Cooking: Less mess and easy cleanup!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Use a Hot Pan: A cast-iron or stainless steel pan ensures a perfect sear on the steak bites.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use Room-Temperature Steak: Take the steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking for even browning.
- Smash Gently: Don’t over-smash the potatoes to keep some texture inside while achieving a crispy outside.
- Roast for Extra Crispiness: Let the potatoes bake for an extra 5 minutes before adding cheese for a crunchier base.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:
🥗 A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
🥦 Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
🍷 Wine pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak’s richness.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate: Store steak and potatoes separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to retain tenderness. Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
This dish brings together the rich, juicy flavors of steak with the crispy, cheesy goodness of smashed potatoes, making it a top-tier dinner choice. Whether for a family meal or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! 🍽️
What Makes This Dish Special?
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ One-Pan Steak Cooking: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
✔️ Crispy, Cheesy Potatoes: The best of both mashed and roasted potatoes.
✔️ Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: Adds depth and enhances the juiciness of the steak.
✔️ Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: A dish everyone will love!
The Secret to Perfect Steak Bites
Choosing the Best Cut of Steak
For the juiciest steak bites, opt for tender cuts that cook quickly:
- Sirloin Steak: Lean, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
- Ribeye: A richer cut with more marbling for extra tenderness.
- New York Strip: Slightly firmer but full of flavor.
- Filet Mignon: The most tender option for a premium experience.
Pro Tip: Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and develop a perfect sear.
Smashed Potatoes – Crispy & Cheesy Perfection
Smashed potatoes combine the crispy edges of roasted potatoes with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes. They are:
🥔 Boiled until tender to keep the inside fluffy.
🥔 Smashed and roasted for maximum crispiness.
🧀 Topped with cheddar & Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy crunch.
Pro Tip: Use baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best results. They hold their shape well and get perfectly crispy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Steak & Potatoes
🔥 Use a Hot Pan: A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet ensures the best sear on the steak.
🌿 Add Garlic Butter at the End: This prevents the garlic from burning and keeps the steak juicy.
⏳ Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak bites sit for 5 minutes before serving. This locks in the juices.
🥄 Smash Gently: Press down just enough to flatten the potatoes without breaking them apart.
🧀 Broil the Potatoes: For an extra crispy and cheesy topping, broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
🧄 Herby Twist: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary with the butter for a fragrant touch.
🥩 Different Steak Marinades: Try marinating the steak bites in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
🥓 Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the cheesy potatoes.
🥑 Low-Carb Option: Swap the smashed potatoes for roasted cauliflower or mashed turnips.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
This dish is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
🥗 A Fresh Green Salad – A light, tangy salad balances the richness of the steak.
🥦 Roasted or Steamed Vegetables – Green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great options.
🍷 Wine Pairing: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully with the steak.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the steak bites for up to 2 months; potatoes are best fresh.
Reheating:
- Steak Bites: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to maintain tenderness.
- Potatoes: Warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes is the perfect dish when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a date night at home, or a meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Try it tonight and experience the magic of steak and potatoes done right! 🍽️