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A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner in One Skillet

Few meals hit the spot quite like juicy, tender steak bites paired with crispy, golden potatoes. And when everything is cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce? Absolute perfection. This one-pan steak bites and potatoes recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have time for an elaborate meal.

By using one skillet, you keep cleanup minimal while ensuring every bite is infused with deep, savory flavors. The potatoes become crispy on the outside and soft inside, while the steak gets a beautiful sear that locks in all its juices. The finishing touch? A garlicky butter sauce that coats everything, making this dish totally irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing guests, this recipe is a foolproof way to bring restaurant-quality steak and potatoes to your table in under an hour.

Choosing the Right Steak for the Best Flavor and Texture

The key to perfect steak bites starts with choosing the right cut of beef. You’ll want something tender, flavorful, and quick-cooking since we’re cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces. Here are the best options:

Sirloin – The ideal choice for this dish. It’s naturally tender, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
Ribeye – A bit more expensive, but incredibly juicy and packed with marbling, making it extra delicious.
New York Strip – A great balance of tenderness and beefy flavor.
Filet Mignon – The most tender cut, but pricier. If you want an ultra-luxurious version, go for it!

Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or brisket, as they require slow cooking to become tender.

Cutting the Steak for Even Cooking

For the best results, cut your steak into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Larger chunks can end up tough and chewy, while smaller ones cook too quickly and risk overcooking.

👉 Pro Tip: Let the steak come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and develop a beautiful sear.

Getting Crispy, Golden-Brown Potatoes

Potatoes are a crucial part of this dish, and achieving that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside texture requires a few key steps:

Choose the Right Potatoes – Yukon Gold or baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape and have a naturally buttery flavor. Russet potatoes can work too, but they tend to break apart more easily.
Cut Them Evenly – Slice them into ¾-inch pieces so they cook evenly. If using baby potatoes, simply halve or quarter them.
Par-Cook for the Perfect Texture – The trick to crispy potatoes in a skillet? Give them a head start. Either microwave them for 3-4 minutes or boil them for 5 minutes before frying. This ensures the insides are soft while the outside crisps up beautifully.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Crowding the potatoes traps steam, preventing them from getting crispy. Cook in batches if needed.

Mastering the Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is what ties everything together. Made with butter, fresh garlic, and herbs, it adds richness and depth of flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

Here’s what makes it special:

Real Butter – Adds richness and creates a silky sauce that coats the steak and potatoes. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
Fresh Garlic – Nothing beats the bold, aromatic flavor of fresh minced garlic. Avoid pre-minced garlic from a jar—it lacks the punchy, fresh flavor we want.
Fresh Herbs – Parsley, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully to add freshness and balance the richness of the butter.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

To make this dish perfect every time, a good skillet is essential. Here’s what works best:

Cast Iron Skillet – The best choice for this recipe! It retains heat well and helps create that perfect sear on the steak and crispy texture on the potatoes.
Stainless Steel Pan – Another great option, as it develops a deep, flavorful crust on the steak. Just be sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.
Nonstick Skillet – Works if you’re in a pinch, but it won’t develop quite the same golden-brown sear as cast iron.

One-Pan Steak Bites and Potatoes in Garlic Butter

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

1.5 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Steak Bites:

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and parboil for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels (this helps them sear instead of steam).
Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the same skillet over high heat.
Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned.
Remove the steak from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet.
Once melted, stir in garlic, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Return the potatoes and steak to the pan, tossing everything in the garlic butter sauce.
Let cook for 1-2 minutes more, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet for the best texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes (though the potatoes won’t be as crispy).

Final Thoughts

This one-pan steak bites and potatoes in garlic butter recipe is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or need a go-to weeknight dinner, this dish delivers every time. Enjoy! 🍽️✨