When comfort food meets gourmet flavor, you get a dish like Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes. This recipe combines tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter with golden, crispy smashed potatoes smothered in cheese. It’s the ultimate combination of hearty and indulgent, perfect for a family dinner, a special date night, or even a weekend feast.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Two-in-one recipe – You get both a main dish (steak) and a side (potatoes) in one go.
Bold flavors – Garlic butter enhances the steak while gooey cheese makes the potatoes irresistible.
Customizable – Works with different cuts of steak, cheeses, and herbs.
Crowd-pleasing – Comfort food that’s simple yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or ribeye, New York strip), cut into
1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Place baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Smash and Season
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass or potato masher until slightly flattened.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the smashed potatoes.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chives or green onions.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (helps them sear better). Season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add steak bites in batches, searing for about 2 minutes per side, until browned but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in thyme or rosemary.
Return steak bites to the pan, toss in the garlic butter, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the cheesy smashed potatoes and top with garlic butter steak bites.
Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the steak.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Pair with a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works beautifully).
For a full comfort-food spread, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread.
Tips & Variations
Cut choice – Sirloin is budget-friendly and tender, but ribeye gives the richest flavor.
Cheese options – Use Gruyère for a nutty twist or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Make it lighter – Use Greek yogurt mixed with Parmesan instead of loads of cheese on the potatoes.
Meal prep – Potatoes can be boiled ahead of time and finished in the oven before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 550
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes bring together everything you crave in comfort food: juicy steak, garlicky butter, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.