Name: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 1/2 lbs baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

This recipe brings together two classic favorites—steak and potatoes—into one easy skillet meal. It requires minimal cleanup and uses pantry staples to create a dish full of rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting guests, this garlic butter steak skillet is always a crowd-pleaser. The golden-crisp potatoes soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness, and the steak remains juicy and tender with a beautiful sear.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
Baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions

Start by washing and cutting the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender—about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the steak pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and garlic to the pan. Stir until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything heat through for a minute or two.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Variations

Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the dish before serving for a cheesy twist.
Herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme or parsley depending on what you have.
Marinated steak: Marinate the steak in garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire for 30 minutes before cooking for added depth.
Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Potato swap: Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutritious version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the steak may lose some of its sear.

FAQs

How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Steak should also be browned on the outside and slightly pink inside if cooked medium.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid sogginess and to get a nice crisp texture.

What kind of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are great options because they’re tender and flavorful when seared quickly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and cut the steak in advance. Cooked steak and potatoes are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s a full meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed veggies pair nicely.

Can I use a cast iron skillet?

Yes, a cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and gives a perfect sear on the steak and crispy edges on the potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on packaged ingredients to be sure.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Sear the steak quickly on high heat in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove it from heat just before it reaches your desired doneness, as it continues to cook slightly while resting.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

How do I make this dish low-carb?

Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or chopped zucchini for a lower-carb version that still satisfies.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a foolproof, flavor-packed meal that combines the best of comfort food with the ease of one-pan cooking. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress with its rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly seared steak. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.