What the heck is this?
This is pure comfort on a plate. Think tender, seared steak bites dripping in garlicky butter, nestled next to creamy mashed potatoes loaded with melty cheese. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you want to cancel plans, grab a fork, and go all in. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special-occasion splurge, this dish delivers big-time flavor without a ton of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s fast—on the table in under 40 minutes
– Buttery steak bites that taste like they came from a steakhouse
– Cheesy mashed potatoes that are creamy, dreamy, and addictive
– Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and guaranteed to impress
– Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the garlic butter steak bites:
– 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
– Salt & pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
For the cheesy mashed potatoes:
– 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
– ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream (warm)
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar (or a cheese blend you love)
– Salt & pepper, to taste
– Optional: sour cream or garlic powder for extra richness
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Add cubed potatoes to a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the hot pot to steam dry for a minute or two.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Mash the potatoes with butter, then stir in the warm milk or cream, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you’re feeling extra, add a spoonful of sour cream or a dash of garlic powder.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
While the potatoes are boiling, pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan) and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. You may need to do this in batches.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Finish
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter and cook for another minute. Sprinkle with chopped herbs if using.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Scoop a generous mound of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with those golden, buttery steak bites, and spoon over any extra garlic butter from the pan. It’s messy in the best way.
Serving Suggestions
– Add sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side
– Serve with crusty bread to mop up the garlic butter
– A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness
Switch It Up
– Try blue cheese or smoked gouda in the mash for a flavor twist
– Add mushrooms or caramelized onions to the steak bites
– Sub cauliflower mash for a low-carb version
– Want heat? Toss the steak in a little cayenne or red pepper flakes
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can make the mashed potatoes earlier in the day and reheat with a splash of milk
– Cube and season the steak ahead of time, keep chilled until ready to sear
– Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave—just don’t overdo it on the steak or it’ll get tough
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: What’s the best cut of steak for this?
A: Sirloin is the sweet spot—tender and affordable. Ribeye is juicier and richer if you want to splurge.
Q: Can I use pre-cut stew meat?
A: Technically yes, but it’s tougher and meant for slow cooking. For best results, stick with steak cuts.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—use plant-based butter, almond milk, and vegan cheese for the mash. Still rich and satisfying.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Combo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This is pure comfort on a plate. Think tender, seared steak bites dripping in garlicky butter, nestled next to creamy mashed potatoes loaded with melty cheese. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you want to cancel plans, grab a fork, and go all in. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special-occasion splurge, this dish delivers big-time flavor without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients
For the garlic butter steak bites:
– 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
– Salt & pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
For the cheesy mashed potatoes:
– 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
– ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream (warm)
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar (or a cheese blend you love)
– Salt & pepper, to taste
– Optional: sour cream or garlic powder for extra richness
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Add cubed potatoes to a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the hot pot to steam dry for a minute or two.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Mash the potatoes with butter, then stir in the warm milk or cream, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you’re feeling extra, add a spoonful of sour cream or a dash of garlic powder.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
While the potatoes are boiling, pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan) and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. You may need to do this in batches.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Finish
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter and cook for another minute. Sprinkle with chopped herbs if using.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Scoop a generous mound of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with those golden, buttery steak bites, and spoon over any extra garlic butter from the pan. It’s messy in the best way.
Notes
– Add sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side
– Serve with crusty bread to mop up the garlic butter
– A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~670 kcal
- Fat: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~42g