Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines tender, flavorful steak bites seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, this dish is indulgent, hearty, and ideal for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. The balance of the juicy steak and the smooth mashed potatoes creates a harmonious combination that will impress family, friends, or even just yourself! This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal at home in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash has everything you want in a satisfying meal: bold flavors, luxurious textures, and a straightforward cooking process. The steak bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and infused with a garlicky, buttery sauce that enhances the natural flavor of the meat. Meanwhile, the creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious juices. Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also customizable—swap the mash for roasted vegetables or add a touch of spice to the steak for a unique twist. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is an easy way to elevate your dinner routine.
Preparation Time and Servings:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving size: 1/4 of the steak and mash
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 580
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the potato chunks and boil for 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the drained potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or handheld mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add more cream or milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Cover and keep warm.
3. Prepare the Steak Bites
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures a good sear.
- Season the steak cubes evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, ensuring they get a nice crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated and warmed through.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top with the garlic butter steak bites and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish.
- Garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.
Ingredient Background
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: These cuts of beef are ideal for this recipe because they are tender and flavorful, yet not overly fatty. Ribeye will give a richer flavor, while sirloin is slightly leaner.
- Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are buttery and smooth, making them perfect for creamy mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, yield a fluffier mash.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the butter sauce with a bold, aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in both the steak and mashed potatoes.
Technique Tips
- Get a Good Sear: Drying the steak and not overcrowding the pan ensures the meat develops a nice crust. Sear the steak cubes over high heat for maximum flavor.
- Keep Potatoes Warm: To prevent the mashed potatoes from cooling while you cook the steak, cover the pot or keep it on low heat.
- Deglaze the Pan: If the skillet develops flavorful browned bits (fond) during cooking, add a splash of broth or white wine before making the garlic butter sauce to incorporate those flavors into the dish.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the skillet when making the garlic butter sauce.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Garlic Butter Steak Bowl: Layer the mashed potatoes in a bowl, top with steak bites, and add sautéed vegetables for a complete one-bowl meal.
- Mini Appetizers: Serve the steak bites with small dollops of mashed potatoes on appetizer spoons or mini plates for a fancy party snack.
- Steak and Mash Skewers: Alternate steak bites and small scoops of mashed potatoes on skewers for a fun, creative presentation.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak bites are cooked to your desired doneness (130°F/54°C for medium-rare, 140°F/60°C for medium).
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak cubes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, use a hand masher and leave some potato pieces intact.
- To add richness to the mashed potatoes, substitute some of the cream with sour cream or cream cheese.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter sauce for an earthy twist.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere) into the mashed potatoes for added indulgence.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Freezing and Storage
- To Store: Refrigerate leftover steak bites and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of butter. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- To Freeze: Freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Steak bites can be frozen as well but may lose some texture when reheated.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce to reduce saturated fat.
- Swap heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk in the mashed potatoes.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the meal.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Dinner Parties: Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash on elegant plates with a garnish of parsley and a side of green beans.
- Holiday Dinners: Add roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots for a festive touch.
- Casual Gatherings: Serve family-style on a large platter with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Potato masher or handheld mixer
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they are tender and flavorful, but tenderloin or strip steak can also be used. - How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Cook the steak bites in small batches over high heat for just 2–3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. - Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor for this recipe, but margarine can be used as a substitute in the sauce and mashed potatoes. - How can I add vegetables to this dish?
Sauté mushrooms, onions, or spinach in the skillet after cooking the steak and add them to the dish for extra nutrients. - Can I use frozen potatoes for the mash?
While fresh potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, frozen mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch. - How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use plant-based milk in the mashed potatoes. - What should I do if the garlic butter sauce is too thick?
Add a tablespoon of broth, water, or white wine to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is the epitome of comfort food done right—easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. With tender steak bites bathed in a garlicky butter sauce and served over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is destined to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a fancy dinner at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that everyone will love. Give it a try and savor every bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the potato chunks and boil for 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the drained potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or handheld mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add more cream or milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Cover and keep warm.
3. Prepare the Steak Bites
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures a good sear.
- Season the steak cubes evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, ensuring they get a nice crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated and warmed through.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top with the garlic butter steak bites and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish.
- Garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the steak and mash
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g