Steak Bites with Smashed Potatoes

This flavorful dish pairs juicy, garlic-butter steak bites with crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes. The combination of rich butter, savory steak, and melty cheese makes for a comforting and indulgent meal that's sure to impress.

I discovered this recipe when looking for a special date night dinner that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. The combination of crispy potatoes and tender steak has since become our monthly celebration meal.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: one pound cubed for tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank
• Minced garlic: two tablespoons to infuse the butter with aromatic flavor
• Butter: four tablespoons for richness and creating that perfect sear
• Salt and pepper: to taste for enhancing the natural beef flavor
• Fresh parsley: a small handful adds bright color and fresh flavor contrast

• Baby potatoes: one pound look for ones similar in size for even cooking
• Cheddar cheese: one cup freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged varieties
• Olive oil: two tablespoons helps achieve that perfect golden crust
• Salt and pepper: to taste always season potatoes generously
• Fresh chives: for garnish adds subtle onion flavor and beautiful color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potatoes:

Place baby potatoes in a large pot of generously salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender about 15 minutes. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool just enough to handle.

Create the smashed base:

Arrange potatoes on a preheated griddle or large skillet with space between each. Using a heavy spatula or the bottom of a drinking glass gently press down to flatten each potato to about half-inch thickness. The irregular edges create more surface area for crisping.

Season and crisp:

Drizzle the flattened potatoes with quality olive oil ensuring each gets a good coating. Season liberally with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook undisturbed for a full 10 minutes until the undersides develop a deep golden crust. Flip carefully and repeat on the second side.

Add the cheese magic:

Once both sides are perfectly crispy sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly across all potatoes. The residual heat from the griddle should melt the cheese beautifully. If needed lower heat and cover briefly to ensure complete melting without burning the potatoes.

Prepare the steak:

While potatoes cook heat a separate skillet or another section of your griddle over medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely. When it begins to foam add the minced garlic and stir constantly for exactly one minute until fragrant but not browned.

Cook the steak bites:

Add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer giving them space to brown properly. Resist the urge to stir immediately letting a crust develop for 2-3 minutes. Then toss and continue cooking until all sides are caramelized and meat reaches your desired doneness typically 8-10 minutes total for medium.

Plate and garnish:

Arrange the crispy cheesy potatoes and juicy steak bites on warmed plates. Sprinkle the potatoes with fresh chives and the steak with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while everything is hot and at peak deliciousness.

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You Must Know

The butter is truly the secret hero of this dish. I once tried to make this with a butter substitute and while still good it lacked that silky richness that makes these steak bites so craveable. My family immediately noticed the difference and specifically requested the real butter version next time.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple vegetables like roasted asparagus or a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon. The freshness cuts through the richness of the steak and potatoes creating a more balanced meal. For special occasions I serve this with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec which stands up nicely to the beef's robust flavor.

Ingredient Swaps

While sirloin is my go-to cut for this recipe ribeye offers even more flavor if you're splurging for a special occasion. If you prefer leaner options tenderloin works beautifully though requires less cooking time. For the potatoes Yukon Golds make an excellent substitute for baby potatoes just cut them into similar sized pieces before boiling. The cheese is highly adaptable too try pepper jack for some heat or gruyere for a nutty sophisticated flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish shines brightest when served immediately but you can prepare components ahead of time for quicker assembly. The potatoes can be boiled up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply bring to room temperature before smashing and crisping. The steak should be cut just before cooking for maximum freshness but can be seasoned and refrigerated for up to 24 hours which actually improves flavor through dry brining.

Pro Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but you could also use ribeye for a more luxurious option or strip steak. If budget is a concern, chuck steak can work well too—just be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

→ Can I make the smashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to a day ahead. Refrigerate them, then when ready to serve, bring to room temperature before crisping them up with oil and adding cheese. This makes meal preparation much quicker.

→ How do I know when the steak bites are perfectly cooked?

For medium-rare steak bites, cook until the exterior is nicely browned but the center still has a slightly pinkish hue, about 3-4 minutes total. For medium, cook until the pink is just disappearing, typically 5-6 minutes. Remember that smaller cubes cook faster, so watch them carefully.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Many cheeses work beautifully with smashed potatoes. Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, blue cheese for something bolder, or a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a stringy, savory topping. The recipe is very versatile and adaptable to your cheese preferences.

→ What side dishes complement this meal?

While this is a complete meal on its own, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts also provide nutritional balance and complementary flavors to the savory steak and potatoes.

→ Can I use herbs other than parsley and chives?

Absolutely! Rosemary and thyme are excellent with both steak and potatoes—add them during cooking for infused flavor. Fresh oregano or basil can add Mediterranean notes, while dill offers a bright, unique flavor that pairs well with the potato component.