How to Make a Delicious Steak and Potatoes Skillet
Table of Contents
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic Steak and Potatoes Skillet recipe. Imagine a perfectly seared sirloin steak, juicy and tender, served alongside crispy golden Yukon potatoes, all drenched in a rich garlic-herb butter sauce. This skillet steak recipe brings together the best of both worlds: savory, indulgent flavors and simple, satisfying ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish will become a go-to favorite. With just a few key ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to whip up this steak and potato skillet in no time, making it an essential one-pan steak and potatoes dinner meal. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners and flavorful enough to satisfy seasoned chefs.
Cooking Time Table
Step | Time |
---|---|
Preparation (Cutting Potatoes) | 10 minutes |
Searing the Steak | 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) |
Cooking the Potatoes | 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally |
Making Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce | 2-3 minutes |
Combining Steak, Potatoes, and Sauce | 2-3 minutes to reheat the steak |
Total Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a truly delicious steak and potatoes meal, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather:

- Sirloin Steak (2 steaks, 8 oz each) – Sirloin is perfect for this dish because it’s flavorful, tender, and cooks quickly. You can also use rib-eye or flank steak if you prefer.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes (4 medium-sized) – These potatoes are creamy and buttery with a golden, crispy exterior when roasted. They are a perfect match for this skillet meal.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dish and pairs beautifully with the steak and butter sauce.
- Fresh Herbs (rosemary and thyme) – These herbs bring an earthy, fragrant touch to the dish. You can use dried herbs as a substitute, but fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
- Butter (4 tbsp) – A rich garlic-butter sauce is the key to tying the dish together and creating a luxurious finish.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For cooking the steak and potatoes to perfection.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, to ensure the seasoning highlights the natural flavors of the steak and potatoes.
- Optional: Lemon (for a citrusy finish) – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
How to Make Steak and Potatoes Skillet
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through each step of making this delicious steak and potatoes recipe. The key is to build layers of flavor while ensuring everything cooks evenly and comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by prepping your Yukon Gold potatoes. Wash and peel them, if desired, then cut them into small, even cubes or wedges (about 1 inch thick). This ensures that they cook uniformly and become crispy on the outside, while staying tender on the inside. In a large bowl, toss the potato pieces with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You want to ensure they’re evenly coated, as this will help them crisp up nicely in the skillet. Set them aside while you prepare the steak.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Season both sides of the sirloin steaks generously with salt and pepper. The key here is to make sure that the seasoning is balanced and complements the natural flavor of the beef. Place the steaks in the skillet and let them sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C). If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest while you prepare the potatoes.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the prepared potatoes. There should be enough oil left in the pan to help them cook, but if not, add a little more olive oil. Spread the potatoes out in an even layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. While the potatoes are cooking, make sure to check them for doneness. You want them fork-tender on the inside but with a crispy, golden exterior.
Step 4: Make the Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce
Once the potatoes are done, push them to one side of the skillet to make room for the garlic-herb butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Next, add in the fresh rosemary and thyme (or dried herbs, if that’s what you’re using). Stir for another minute to allow the herbs to infuse the butter with their flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Steak, Potatoes, and Sauce
Once the butter and herbs are fragrant, return the steak to the skillet. Spoon the garlic-herb butter sauce over the steak, making sure it’s well-coated. Allow the steak to reheat in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. Finally, add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet, stirring everything gently to combine the steak, potatoes, and garlic-herb butter. Let everything simmer together for another minute or two, so the potatoes soak up the rich butter sauce.
Serving and Presentation
To serve, slice the steak against the grain into strips or cubes, depending on your preference. Arrange the steak slices on top of the crispy potatoes, and pour the remaining garlic-herb butter sauce over the top. If you like, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for an extra pop of color and flavor. For an added touch, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish right before serving. The citrusy zest will balance the richness of the butter sauce and elevate the overall flavor.

Tips for Success
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it holds heat well and ensures an even, golden crust on the potatoes and steak.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the potatoes, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If the pan is too full, the potatoes will steam rather than crisp up.
- Rest the Steak: After cooking, always let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
- Adjust the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs depending on your preferences. Fresh parsley, basil, or even oregano can make for delicious variations.
- Make it Thicker or Thinner: For a thicker garlic butter sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of flour to the melted butter. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Before we dive into the specifics of this Easy Steak and Potatoes Skillet, it’s important to know how this delicious dish fits into your daily nutritional goals. This meal is packed with protein, essential fats, and vitamins that contribute to a balanced diet. Below, you’ll find the nutritional breakdown to help you make informed choices as you enjoy this flavorful dish.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 520 kcal |
Protein | 34g |
Total Fat | 28g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 36g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Sugars | 2g |
Cholesterol | 75mg |
Sodium | 620mg |
Potassium | 950mg |
Vitamin A | 8% DV |
Vitamin C | 20% DV |
Calcium | 4% DV |
Iron | 18% DV |
Health Information
This Steak and Potatoes Skillet is a deliciously hearty dish, providing a good source of protein and essential nutrients. The sirloin steak offers a rich supply of iron, which is important for blood health, and potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and muscle function. The Yukon Gold potatoes provide a moderate amount of carbohydrates for energy, while also supplying fiber to aid digestion. While this dish contains a higher level of fat, particularly saturated fat from the butter, you can make healthier modifications by reducing the butter amount or using olive oil instead. The garlic and fresh herbs contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to boost your immune system and fight oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Steak and Potatoes Skillet into your cooking repertoire is a game-changer. This dish offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, combining the juiciness of the steak with the crispiness of the potatoes and the indulgence of the garlic-herb butter sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that delivers on taste and presentation every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving comfort food, this skillet dinner recipe will not disappoint. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and sides to make it truly your own. So grab that cast iron skillet, and let this simple yet sensational steak and potatoes skillet recipe elevate your weeknight dinners!
FAQ
1. Can I make the Steak and Potatoes Skillet ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor, you can certainly prep some elements in advance. You can peel and chop the potatoes the day before, and even season the steak ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, just heat up the skillet and put everything together. The dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight meal even with a bit of prep work.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the steak and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a few minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of potato you choose.
For More Comfort Food Recipes:
- Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
- Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
- Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
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