When it comes to weeknight dinners, we’re all looking for that magical combo of fast, flavorful, and minimal cleanup. That’s where this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet shines—it’s a sizzling, savory meal that’s made all in one pan, packed with comfort, and ready in under 30 minutes.
With juicy sirloin steak, tender baby red potatoes, rich butter, and garlicky goodness, this skillet recipe brings together everything we love about a hearty dinner with none of the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
🔪 Why You’ll Love This Skillet Recipe
Let’s face it—some meals just hit different. This one has everything:
- Protein + veggie in one pan
- Restaurant-quality flavor without the price tag
- Simple, wholesome ingredients
- Comfort food appeal with steakhouse vibes
- Minimal cleanup – one pan, easy process
It’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or even a laid-back date night at home. Plus, it’s easily customizable depending on what you have on hand.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to make something memorable. This dish relies on fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create rich flavor in every bite.
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
That’s it! With just six ingredients (plus salt and pepper), you can create a skillet dinner that feels anything but basic.
🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is easy enough for beginners, but satisfying enough to impress any steak lover.
1. Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook until browned on both sides—about 2–3 minutes per side.
🔔 Tip: Avoid crowding the pan. Cook the steak in batches if needed to ensure a nice sear.
Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the quartered red potatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown—about 8–10 minutes.
If the pan is dry, add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to keep things moving.
3. Add Garlic & Butter
Once the potatoes are cooked, lower the heat slightly and add the 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the steak strips to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to reheat the steak and marry the flavors.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy!
🕒 Quick Cooking Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 2–4, depending on portion size
🔄 Recipe Variations
Make this dish your own with a few easy swaps or additions:
- Different Cuts: Swap sirloin for ribeye, flank, or even sliced tenderloin.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, green beans, or asparagus during the potato step.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan or cheddar right before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter.
- Keto Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Though this dish is satisfying on its own, you can round it out with a few simple sides:
- Fresh side salad with vinaigrette
- Buttery garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
For dessert, something light like fruit salad or lemon bars pairs perfectly with the richness of this skillet.
🧊 Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, they store well and reheat easily:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Freeze: Not recommended—steak and potatoes can become dry or grainy after freezing and thawing.
❤️ Why Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Works
This is one of those rare recipes that checks every box:
- Simplicity: Just a handful of ingredients and one pan
- Flavor: Butter, garlic, steak—need we say more?
- Hearty & satisfying: Perfect for cooler nights or when you want something filling
- Fast: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters will love this dish
Whether you’re short on time or just want to minimize dishes, this recipe delivers major flavor with minimal effort.
📌 Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, and easy to make—plus, it brings all the comfort of a steakhouse dinner into your home kitchen with a fraction of the cost and effort.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something incredible. Just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and a craving for something hearty and delicious.
Save it. Print it. Pin it. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Print🥩 Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet – One Pan Wonder for Busy Nights
You don’t need a long grocery list to make something memorable. This dish relies on fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create rich flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
-
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
-
1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
-
3 tablespoons butter
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
That’s it! With just six ingredients (plus salt and pepper), you can create a skillet dinner that feels anything but basic.
Instructions
This recipe is easy enough for beginners, but satisfying enough to impress any steak lover.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook until browned on both sides—about 2–3 minutes per side.
🔔 Tip: Avoid crowding the pan. Cook the steak in batches if needed to ensure a nice sear.
Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the quartered red potatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown—about 8–10 minutes.
If the pan is dry, add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to keep things moving.
Once the potatoes are cooked, lower the heat slightly and add the 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
Return the steak strips to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to reheat the steak and marry the flavors.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy!
Notes
🕒 Quick Cooking Breakdown
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
-
Total Time: ~30 minutes
-
Servings: 2–4, depending on portion size