I’ll never forget the first time I made this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe for Lila and Jack after a particularly long week. Mark used to say that the best meals don’t need fancy ingredients—just good technique and lots of heart. As the butter sizzled in the pan and the garlic filled our kitchen with that irresistible aroma, I watched my kids’ eyes light up.
This one-pan wonder has since become our go-to comfort dinner, especially on those nights when we need something special without the fuss. The beauty of this garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity: tender, juicy steak paired with golden, crispy potatoes, all bathed in rich garlic butter.
Grace now makes this for her family too, and she calls me every time to rave about how easy it is. If you’re searching for the best easy recipe for steak and potatoes, you’ve found it right here.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Best Easy Recipe
This garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. First, everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup—a true blessing on busy weeknights. Additionally, the recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want something impressive.
Furthermore, the combination of perfectly seared steak and crispy potatoes coated in garlic butter creates an unforgettable flavor experience. The butter carries the garlic throughout every bite, creating harmony between the protein and the starch. Moreover, this easy steak and potatoes recipe works beautifully for both family dinners and when you’re entertaining guests.
My kids absolutely devour this meal, and Jack always asks for seconds on the potatoes. The recipe is also incredibly forgiving—even beginner cooks can master this garlic butter steak recipe on their first try. Plus, you can customize it easily with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe requires just a handful of quality ingredients. I always recommend choosing the best steak you can afford—it truly makes a difference in the final result.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ribeye or sirloin steaks | 2 (8-10 oz each) |
| Baby potatoes, halved | 1.5 lbs |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 6-8 |
| Fresh thyme | 4 sprigs |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Substitutions & Variations
This best easy steak and potatoes recipe adapts wonderfully to different preferences and dietary needs. Instead of ribeye, you can use New York strip, filet mignon, or even flank steak for a more budget-friendly option. Consequently, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
For the potatoes, regular Yukon gold potatoes work beautifully if you can’t find baby potatoes. Simply cut them into smaller chunks. Additionally, sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile that my sister Grace absolutely loves.
If you want to switch up the herbs in this garlic butter steak recipe, try oregano, sage, or tarragon. Furthermore, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the garlic butter creates another layer of depth. You can also make this recipe spicier by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe follows a simple process that yields spectacular results every single time.
Step 1: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a beautiful crust when searing.
Step 2: Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this easy garlic butter steak recipe needs bold flavoring.
Step 3: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the halved potatoes, cut side down, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them until golden brown.
Step 4: Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until fork-tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
Step 6: Flip the steaks and add 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the garlic butter over the steaks repeatedly. This technique, called basting, is crucial for this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe.
Step 7: Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust time based on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Step 8: Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Step 9: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Return the potatoes to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until completely coated and heated through.
Step 10: Slice the steak against the grain, arrange with the potatoes, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Making this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe follows a simple process that yields spectacular results every single time. If you’re in the mood for something sweet after your meal, consider trying these Dipped Sugar Cookies for a delightful treat.
Pro Tips for Success
After making this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfection. First, always bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. Cold steak won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with a gray exterior before the inside reaches your desired temperature.
Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the steaks one at a time to maintain proper heat. A hot pan is essential for achieving that gorgeous crust that makes this best easy recipe for garlic butter steak so irresistible.
Third, invest in a good meat thermometer. Guessing doneness leads to overcooked or undercooked steak. Moreover, remember that the steak continues cooking during the resting period, so remove it from heat 5 degrees before your target temperature.
Fourth, use real butter—not margarine—for this garlic butter steak recipe. The flavor difference is remarkable. Additionally, fresh garlic beats pre-minced garlic every time. I mince mine right before cooking to maximize the aromatic oils.
Finally, don’t skip the resting period. I know it’s tempting to cut into that beautiful steak immediately, but patience rewards you with juicier, more flavorful meat.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe tastes best fresh, leftovers store well if properly handled. Allow the steak and potatoes to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven rather than the microwave to maintain texture. Preheat your oven to 250°F, place the steak and potatoes on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This gentle reheating prevents the steak from overcooking further.
Alternatively, you can reheat the potatoes in a skillet with a little butter while slicing the cold steak thinly for salads or sandwiches. Lila loves leftover steak in her school lunch wraps.
While this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe tastes best fresh, leftovers store well if properly handled. For a delicious dessert option to enjoy with your meal, check out these oatmeal raisin cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, but adding sides creates a complete meal. I usually serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens cut through the richness of the garlic butter beautifully.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts complement this easy steak and potatoes recipe wonderfully. Furthermore, creamed spinach adds an elegant touch when I’m serving guests. A crusty baguette for soaking up the garlic butter never goes amiss either.
For beverages, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly. However, Jack prefers his with sparkling apple cider, which works just as well for family dinners.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for garlic butter steak and potatoes?
Ribeye delivers the most flavor and tenderness for this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe. However, sirloin offers excellent value, and filet mignon provides unmatched tenderness. Choose based on your budget and preference.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. For this best easy steak recipe, aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Remember to remove the steak 5 degrees before your target temperature.
Can I make garlic butter steak and potatoes ahead of time?
While this garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe is best served fresh, you can prep the potatoes and season the steak several hours ahead. Cook everything just before serving for optimal results.
Why do I need to rest the steak?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting immediately causes those flavorful juices to run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the steak, making this easy garlic butter steak recipe less juicy.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs provide better flavor for this garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe, but dried works in a pinch.
Garlic butter steak and potatoes is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of seared steak with the aromatic essence of garlic butter, creating a comforting meal. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, showcasing the beauty of straightforward cooking techniques in the kitchen.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
This garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe has become more than just a meal in our home—it represents those moments when we gather around the table, share stories about our day, and create memories together.
Mark always believed that the simplest recipes often bring the most joy, and this dish proves him right every single time. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Tuesday night or impressing dinner guests on the weekend, this best easy recipe for steak and potatoes delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction.
The rich garlic butter, perfectly cooked steak, and crispy potatoes come together in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try tonight, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine.
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garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup—a true blessing on busy weeknights. The combination of perfectly seared steak and crispy potatoes coated in garlic butter creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients
2 Ribeye or sirloin steaks (8–10 oz each)
1.5 lbs Baby potatoes, halved
6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
6–8 Garlic cloves, minced
4 sprigs Fresh thyme
2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons Olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and black pepper
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the halved potatoes, cut side down, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them until golden brow
- Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until fork-tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside
- Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them
- Flip the steaks and add 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Spoon the garlic butter over the steaks repeatedly
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust time based on your preferred doneness
- Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Return the potatoes to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until completely coated and heated through
- Slice the steak against the grain, arrange with the potatoes, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley
Notes
Always bring your steak to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan; cook steaks one at a time if necessary.
Invest in a good meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg