One-Pan Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes

The Ultimate Easy Skillet Dinner

When you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss, this One-Pan Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes is your answer. Imagine perfectly seared steaks alongside golden, crispy potatoes, all bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to execute. The magic happens in a single skillet, where tender potatoes cook alongside juicy steaks, absorbing all those incredible flavors while you barely lift a finger. It’s comfort food at its finest—the kind of meal that makes any weeknight feel special.

Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Why This Recipe Works

Restaurant Results at Home: Achieve steakhouse-quality flavors in your own kitchen Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup Perfect Timing: Potatoes and steaks finish cooking simultaneously Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferred steak cuts and doneness Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and kids who love comfort food

Essential Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 boneless steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip), 1-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For the Potatoes:

• 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Gold, cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Choosing the Perfect Steak

The success of this dish starts with selecting the right cut:

Steak Cut	Characteristics	Best For
Ribeye	Rich marbling, incredibly juicy	Maximum flavor and tenderness
Sirloin	Lean, affordable, good flavor	Budget-friendly option
New York Strip	Balanced fat, firm texture	Classic steakhouse experience
Filet Mignon	Ultra-tender, mild flavor	Special occasions

Pro tip: Look for steaks that are 1-inch thick for even cooking. Let them come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using baby potatoes, halve them; if using larger potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.

Step 2: Start the Potatoes

Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned potatoes cut-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Season the Steaks

While potatoes roast, pat steaks dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Let them rest at room temperature.

Step 4: Sear the Steaks

Remove the skillet from the oven (careful—it’s hot!). Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil to the empty side and heat over medium-high heat. Add steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove steaks to a plate and tent with foil to rest. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in fresh herbs and lemon juice.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return steaks to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over both the steaks and potatoes. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately.

Perfect Doneness Guide

Use a meat thermometer for precise results:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium-Well: 150°F (66°C)
• Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)

Pro Tips for Success

Potato Perfection: Start potatoes first—they take longer to cook than steaks Hot Pan is Key: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding steaks Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to give everything space Rest Your Steaks: Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices Garlic Caution: Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid burning

Flavor Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano to the garlic butter sauce.

Herb-Crusted Version

Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley with breadcrumbs; press onto steaks before searing.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter sauce.

Mushroom Lovers

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.

Wine Addition

Deglaze the pan with red wine before adding the butter for extra depth.

Side Dish Suggestions

While this is a complete meal, consider these additions:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter
• A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec

Timing Guide for Perfect Results

Total Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

1. Minutes 1-5: Prep and start potatoes
2. Minutes 6-25: Roast potatoes, prep steaks
3. Minutes 26-35: Sear steaks, make sauce
4. Minutes 36-40: Rest and finish

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or use microwave for individual portions Freezing: Not recommended for best texture and quality

Best Practice: This dish is meant to be enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make excellent steak and potato hash for breakfast!

Nutritional Benefits

This balanced meal provides:

• High-quality protein from steak for muscle maintenance
• Complex carbohydrates from potatoes for sustained energy
• Healthy fats from olive oil and butter
• Vitamins and minerals from garlic, herbs, and potatoes
• Antioxidants from herbs and spices

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Steaks overcooked: Use a meat thermometer and remember they continue cooking while resting Potatoes not crispy: Make sure they’re dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the pan Garlic butter burning: Keep heat at medium-low and watch carefully Uneven cooking: Ensure steaks are similar thickness and at room temperature before cooking

Make It Budget-Friendly

• Choose sirloin or flank steak instead of premium cuts
• Use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes
• Buy steaks in bulk when on sale and freeze
• Stretch with additional vegetables like onions or bell peppers

Special Occasion Upgrades

• Use filet mignon for ultimate tenderness
• Add a splash of cognac or brandy to the sauce
• Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers
• Serve with truffle oil drizzle
• Present on warmed plates for restaurant-style service

The Perfect Comfort Food

One-Pan Garlic Butter Steak & Potatoes represents everything we love about comfort food: it’s hearty, satisfying, and brings people together around the table. The combination of perfectly cooked protein, crispy potatoes, and that incredible garlic butter sauce creates a meal that feels both familiar and special.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create something extraordinary. Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones, where quality ingredients shine through careful preparation and a little bit of love.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special celebration, this one-pan wonder delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes? A: Absolutely! Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or even red potatoes work well. Avoid russets as they can become too soft. Cut larger potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? A: You can start the potatoes in a regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven portion. Return everything to the skillet for the final steps.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning? A: Keep the heat at medium-low when making the sauce, and add garlic after removing from high heat. Cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Q: Can I prep anything ahead of time? A: You can cut and season the potatoes up to 4 hours ahead. Let steaks come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for best results.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving steaks as they can become tough.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish? A: Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or Brussels sprouts work well. Add them with the potatoes so they have time to cook through.

Q: Why do my steaks come out tough? A: This usually happens from overcooking or not letting the meat rest. Use a thermometer, don’t flip too often, and always rest steaks for 5 minutes after cooking.