If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and indulgent, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes. This recipe brings together tender sirloin steak bites cooked in rich garlic butter, served alongside crispy and cheesy smashed potatoes. It’s the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness, ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing your guests at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

Despite being incredibly flavorful, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. The steak bites cook quickly, and the smashed potatoes are simple to prepare, making this dish perfect for busy nights.

2. Rich, Flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites

The steak bites are cooked in rich, savory garlic butter, which infuses them with an irresistible depth of flavor. They’re perfectly seared and tender, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

3. Cheesy, Crispy Smashed Potatoes

The smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh chives for the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

4. Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist

This dish feels like comfort food but with a touch of gourmet elegance. It’s rich and satisfying while still feeling special enough for a dinner party or a romantic evening at home.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite type of cheese, add some garlic or fresh herbs to the potatoes, or change the cut of beef for a different steak variety.

Ingredients

For the steak bites:

1 pound sirloin steak, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the smashed potatoes:

1 pound baby potatoes

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Different Cut of Steak: While sirloin works beautifully, you can use other cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for a more luxurious steak bite experience.
Add More Veggies: For a more complete meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Cheese Options: You can experiment with different types of cheese for the smashed potatoes, like mozzarella, gouda, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the steak bites or potatoes for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Smashed Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still intact. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the smashed potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites

While the potatoes are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed steak bites and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the steak bites are browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the steak bites are cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve the garlic butter steak bites alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley on the steak bites and chopped chives on the potatoes for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Steak: Steak bites cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. They should be tender and juicy, with a golden brown exterior. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your preferred level of doneness.

Smash Gently: When smashing the potatoes, be gentle. You want them to be flattened, but not mashed into pieces. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
Add Extra Garlic Butter: For even more flavor, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the smashed potatoes.
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast-iron skillet is perfect for searing steak bites and making the garlic butter sauce. It retains heat well and gives the steak a nice sear.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a light, fresh contrast to the rich, buttery flavors, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the steak bites and smashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the steak bites for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooked steak bites in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat by sautéing in a pan with a bit of butter when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep the smashed potatoes crispy, consider reheating them in the oven or a skillet for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use another cut of steak?

Yes, you can use cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or flank steak for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose.

2. Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them and add the cheese.

3. Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re avoiding cheese, the smashed potatoes are still delicious on their own, or you can top them with other toppings like sour cream or chives.

4. How can I make the steak bites spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a touch of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can I use non-dairy cheese for the smashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese as a substitute for cheddar if you have dietary restrictions.

6. How do I know when the steak bites are done?

Steak bites typically cook in 4-5 minutes, but you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or adjust for your preferred doneness.

7. How do I make the smashed potatoes crispier?

For extra crispiness, make sure to smash the potatoes just enough to flatten them, and use enough oil to coat them before baking.

8. Can I make this dish without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or another oil of your choice, but butter adds a rich flavor that complements the steak bites perfectly.

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the steak bites and smashed potatoes are best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and reheat before serving.

10. How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Don’t overcook the steak bites. They cook quickly, and you want them to stay juicy and tender. A quick sear on high heat is key.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender steak and crispy, cheesy potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. This recipe is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this dish will surely be a hit! Enjoy it with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for the perfect, balanced meal.