Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal that’s simple enough to make at home. Juicy seared steak cubes are basted in rich, fragrant garlic butter, then served alongside velvety mashed potatoes. This dish is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, and ideal for a hearty dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare but full of flavor

  • Uses tender, high-quality cuts of steak

  • Rich, garlicky butter sauce enhances every bite

  • Creamy mashed potatoes balance the savory steak

  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights

  • Easily customizable with different seasonings or add-ins

  • One-pan steak preparation minimizes cleanup

  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

  • Elegant presentation with minimal effort

  • Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

  • Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized cubes

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Cooking oil (such as canola or avocado oil)

  • Butter

  • Garlic cloves, minced

  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • Butter

  • Heavy cream or milk

  • Salt, to taste

  • Garlic butter from the steak pan (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites

  1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

  2. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and add oil.

  4. Once hot, add steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if needed.

  5. Sear for 2–3 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  6. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic.

  7. Baste the steak by spooning the melted garlic butter over the cubes. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  1. While the steak is cooking, boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

  2. Drain and mash with butter, cream, and salt.

  3. For added flavor, mix in a spoonful of the garlic butter from the steak pan.

  4. Use a ricer or hand masher for a smooth, lump-free texture.

Step 3: Serve

  1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate.

  2. Top with steak bites and drizzle over remaining garlic butter.

  3. Garnish with fresh herbs or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Cajun Steak Bites: Season the steak with Cajun spices for a smoky, spicy version.

  • Surf and Turf: Add seared shrimp or scallops cooked in garlic butter.

  • Herb Butter Twist: Infuse the butter with rosemary, parsley, or sage.

  • Loaded Mash: Add sour cream, cheddar, or scallions to the mashed potatoes.

  • Wine Reduction: Deglaze the steak pan with red wine for a deeper sauce.

  • Garlic Lover’s Version: Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for extra depth.

  • Creamy Mustard Mash: Stir Dijon mustard into the mashed potatoes for a tangy kick.

  • Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce and sesame oil in place of butter for an umami-rich glaze.

  • Low-Carb: Serve with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.

  • Spicy Butter: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter for heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store steak bites and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating (Steak): Reheat in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes to maintain the crust.

  • Reheating (Potatoes): Warm mashed potatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or butter to loosen.

  • Freezing: Not recommended due to texture changes in potatoes and garlic butter.

FAQs

How do I ensure my steak is cooked to the right doneness?

Use a meat thermometer:

  • Rare: 125°F (52°C)

  • Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)

  • Medium: 140°F (60°C)

  • Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)

Can I use different cuts of steak?

Yes. Tenderloin, ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin all work well. Sirloin offers a good balance of tenderness and value.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, sear the steak just before serving. The mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated.

How do I keep the steak bites juicy?

Avoid overcooking and let the steak rest briefly after cooking before serving.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

What herbs go best with steak?

Thyme, rosemary, parsley, and oregano all complement steak beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free butter and substitute cream with plant-based milk for the mashed potatoes.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans, or a crisp green salad are excellent pairings.

Can I cook the steak bites in butter only?

It’s best to sear in oil first (which handles high heat better), then finish with butter for flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free when using plain butter and seasonings. Always double-check labels.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for a special dinner. With tender, golden-browned steak cubes bathed in garlic butter and paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this is comfort food elevated. It’s a guaranteed hit for meat lovers and a perfect centerpiece for your next homemade feast.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Seared, Boiled
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor right at home. Tender seared steak bites coated in rich garlic butter are served over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal—easy enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for weekends.


Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

  • 1 lb high-quality steak (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized cubes

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

  • 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for extra flavor

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • Salt, to taste

  • Optional: a spoonful of garlic butter from the steak pan


Instructions

Make the Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Boil Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

  2. Mash: Drain, then mash using a hand masher or potato ricer.

  3. Add Cream & Butter: Stir in butter and cream until smooth. Season with salt and keep warm.

Cook the Steak Bites: 4. Season & Sear: Pat steak cubes dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. 5. Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and herbs (if using) to the pan. Once melted, baste the steak bites with the garlic butter for about 1 minute. 6. Finish: Remove from heat once the steak reaches your desired doneness.

Serve: 7. Plating: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with garlic butter steak bites and drizzle extra butter from the pan. 8. Garnish: Add chopped parsley or crumbled blue cheese if desired.


Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to reach your preferred steak doneness (130°F for medium-rare).

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

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