Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet
A One-Pan Flavor Bomb
For speedy, comforting, and seriously tasty dinners, there's not much beating the crackle of a Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes skillet. It's a flavor bomb of epic proportions—tender, juicy steak cooked to perfection, crispy golden potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce that brings it all together in the best possible way.
If you’re craving steakhouse vibes but don’t want to spend a fortune eating out, this recipe is your answer. It’s simple, fast, and made in just one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy an insanely good meal. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, a special date night, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this skillet steak and potatoes recipe will not disappoint.
Why You'll Enjoy This Recipe
One-Pan Meal – All cooking occurs in one pan for simple cleanup.
Steakhouse-Quality Taste – You have restaurant-worthy steak without the expense.
Flawlessly Crispy Potatoes – Golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Garlic Butter Deliciousness – The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs is simply irresistible.
Fast and Convenient – Ready in under 40 minutes, thus ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Steak & Potatoes:
1 ½ pounds ribeye steak (or sirloin, sliced into bite-sized pieces)
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to dry it out a bit (this is for a great sear).
Rub the steak with a liberal amount of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Mix in 1 tablespoon olive oil and Worcestershire sauce.
Halve (or quarter, if big) the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Put 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes, sliced side down, and season with salt, pepper, and a little thyme and rosemary.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat to high.
Add the steak pieces in a single layer, do not overcrowd the pan (use batches if required).
Sear the steak 2-3 minutes on each side or until the crust is developed and the inside is to your desired doneness (125°F rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium).
Take steak from skillet and reserve.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low and add butter to skillet.
Once melted, whisk in minced garlic, remaining thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently so garlic doesn't burn.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the potatoes back into the pan, tossing potatoes in the garlic butter sauce.
Add the steak back into the pan, folding everything together so flavors can mingle.
Cook a final minute to warm everything through.
Garnish with fresh parsley chopped and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a splash of brightness added.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
Use the Right Cut of Steak: Ribeye and sirloin are optimal because they will stay juicy and tender. When using a leaner cut, be careful not to overcook.
Let the Steak Rest: Don't cut into your steak yet. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes in an attempt to preserve its juices.
Get a Good Sear: A very hot pan is the trick to that perfect, golden-brown crust on your steak.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced and added to the butter sauce, gives a more intense, richer flavor than pre-minced garlic.
Don't Rush the Potatoes: Let them develop a crunchy outside before stirring.
Best Side Dishes for Steak and Potatoes
Although this is a complete meal in itself, the addition of a light side dish will reduce the richness:
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Crisp Side Salad – Caesar salad or simple arugula.
Garlic Bread – For dipping into that extra garlic butter sauce.
Creamed Spinach – Classic steakhouse fare.
Red Wine or Lemonade – The correct beverage makes the meal!
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Refrigerate for 3 days, storing leftover in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze potatoes and cooked steak for 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator to reheat.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with butter or a small amount, or microwave in short intervals.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is everything you know and love about steakhouse night dinner nights but simplified, effortless, in a home-kitchen iteration. It's rich, meaty, and ridiculously easy to make on even the most ordinary weeknight night. The trick? It's a one-skillet meal, so little cleanup and a lot of flavor.
If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting, give this recipe a try. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this skillet meal is guaranteed to impress.
Now grab that skillet, fire up the stove, and enjoy every garlicky, buttery, steak-filled bite!