Introduction
Picture this: Tiny, juicy 1-inch steak cubes seared to golden perfection, nestled beside crispy baby potatoes with split edges and glistening garlic butter pooling in the pan. No, it’s not a Michelin-starred meal—it’s steak bites and potatoes, ready in 30 minutes and cooked in one skillet (or air fryer!).
This dish is supposed to look rustic—think uneven sear marks on the steak, potatoes with crispy, salt-speckled skins, and a few wilting parsley leaves for that “I just whipped this up” charm. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a cozy hug but cooks like a weeknight warrior.
If you’re a fan of my Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs but crave beef, you’ll love this recipe. Let’s turn your kitchen into a steakhouse—no fancy skills required.
What is Steak Bites and Potatoes?
Imagine steakhouse flavor meets diner simplicity. Steak bites and potatoes is a no-fuss, one-pan wonder where 1-inch steak cubes and baby potatoes cook together in a garlic butter bath. Why “bites”? Because big chunks are overrated—tiny pieces mean quicker cooking, better browning, and zero knife fights at the table.
Legend says the dish was invented by a parent who realized “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” works even faster with bite-sized beef. (Pro tip: Works on hangry toddlers too.) Ready to skip the drama and eat already?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Perfections Needed: Embrace uneven sear marks and split potatoes—it’s all part of the rustic charm!
- Cheaper Than Takeout: Use stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes) for a budget-friendly twist.
- Garlic Butter Everything: That glistening sauce? It’s just butter, garlic, and magic.
If you adored my Honey Sriracha Pork Bites, you’ll flip for this savory upgrade.
How to Make Steak Bites and Potatoes
Quick Overview
- Time: 30 mins (15 prep + 15 cook)
- Key Tools: Cast-iron skillet, air fryer, or foil packets.
- Texture Play: Crispy potatoes + tender, small steak cubes.
Key Ingredients
- Steak: 1.5 lbs sirloin or stew meat, cut into 1-inch small cubes (tiny = tender!).
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved (split edges = extra crispy).
- Garlic Butter: 4 tbsp butter + 4 minced garlic cloves (plus a few unpeeled cloves for rustic vibes).
- Seasonings: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, flaky sea salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep:
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, paprika, thyme, and salt. No need to be perfect—rustic is better!
- Cut steak into 1-inch cubes. (Smaller = faster cook time + more caramelized edges!)
- Cook:
- Skillet Method: Sear steak cubes in batches for 2 mins per side (uneven browning = flavor!). Add potatoes to the same pan.
- Air Fryer: Cook potatoes at 400°F for 10 mins, add steak cubes, cook 5 more mins.
- Foil Packets: Wrap steak, potatoes, and garlic butter in foil. Bake at 425°F for 20 mins.
- Sauce: Reduce heat, add butter and garlic. Let it bubble until golden and slightly separated (those brown bits = FLAVOR).
- Serve: Scatter wilted parsley over the top. Perfection is overrated.
What to Serve With Steak Bites and Potatoes
- Veggies: Charred asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon.
- Bread: Crusty baguette to swipe up every last bit of garlic butter.
- Drinks: Malbec for adults, sparkling lemonade for kids.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish
- Size Matters: Keep steak cubes 1-inch—any bigger, and they’ll toughen up.
- Embrace Imperfection: Let potatoes split and steak sear unevenly. It’s homemade, not a magazine spread!
- Marinate Cheap Cuts: Soak stew meat in soy sauce + Worcestershire for 15 mins to tenderize.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days. The garlic butter solidifies? That’s flavor gold—don’t toss it!
- Reheat: Skillet on medium-low with a splash of broth. Microwaving works, but expect softer potatoes.
FAQs (People Also Ask!)
What kind of steak is used for steak bites?
- Answer: Sirloin or stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes).
Why are my steak bites tough?
- Answer: Overcooking or cubes too large. Stick to 1-inch pieces and sear quickly!
What sauce is good for steak?
- Answer: Garlic butter (obviously), chimichurri, or a quick red wine reduction.
Ready to embrace the rustic life? Try my Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes in Foil—messy, delicious, and zero cleanup!
Hungry for more? Check out our top rated recipes :
How to Cook Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Delicious Swedish Meatballs R10 Delicious and Easy Beef Recipes for Quick, Tasty Meals
Beef Barbacoa Grilled Cheese: Slow-Cooked Perfection
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
Instructions
Prep the Potatoes:
- Halve the baby potatoes and toss them in a mixing bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Potatoes:
- Skillet Method: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and tender.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Sear the Steak:
- While the potatoes cook, pat the steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet (or a separate pan), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until butter melts and garlic becomes fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked potatoes and steak bites in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Calories: 450 kcal
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 25g |
| – Saturated Fat | 10g |
| – Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Vitamin D | 1mcg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Potassium | 900mg |
Nutrition Notes
-
Calorie Breakdown:
- Steak: ~200 kcal
- Potatoes: ~150 kcal
- Garlic Butter Sauce: ~100 kcal
-
Healthier Swaps:
- Use olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to increase fiber and vitamin A.
-
Balanced Meal:
- Pair with a side salad or steamed veggies to add fiber and nutrients.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Soak steak cubes in a simple marinade (soy sauce + Worcestershire) for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use Stew Meat: If sirloin is too pricey, stew meat works great—just cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Make It Healthier: Swap butter for olive oil and add a side salad for balance.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
One Comment