Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory taste of garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of crisp green beans. This dish brings together tender steak, infused with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter, alongside the ultimate comfort food—mashed potatoes—and fresh, vibrant green beans that add a healthy balance to the meal. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Why choose this dish? Steak bites are a quick and easy option for steak lovers who crave the full flavor of steak without the time commitment of cooking a whole steak. These bite-sized pieces are perfectly seared, juicy, and dripping with garlic butter. Add to that a serving of mashed potatoes, rich with butter and cream, and you have a meal that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
From a nutritional standpoint, this dish offers a complete, balanced meal. You get your protein from the steak, carbs from the mashed potatoes, and essential vitamins and fiber from the green beans. It’s the perfect dinner for those looking to satisfy their hunger while enjoying a nutritionally well-rounded dish.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a special date night, or even meal prepping for the week, garlic butter steak bites with mashed potatoes and green beans fit the bill. It’s easy to scale up for larger groups or down for a simple, intimate meal.
Ingredients
To create this dish, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
Steak Bites:
- Steak: Choose a high-quality cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for tenderness and flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Allows control over salt levels.
- Olive oil: For searing the steak at a high temperature.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Mashed Potatoes:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: These are the best for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Butter: Adds richness.
- Heavy cream or milk: For the perfect creamy texture.
- Garlic powder or roasted garlic: To complement the garlic butter steak.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Green Beans:
- Fresh green beans: Crisp and vibrant when cooked properly.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the beans.
- Garlic (optional): Adds more flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Lemon zest or juice (optional): Brightens the flavor of the green beans.
Special Additions:
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary or thyme can be added for extra aroma and depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Optional, but adds a salty, nutty flavor to both mashed potatoes and steak bites.
- Suggested pairings: Consider a sauce or gravy on the side for added richness.
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing the Steak Bites
- Choosing and prepping the steak: Begin by selecting a high-quality steak cut. Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work best because they are tender and flavorful. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
- Prepping garlic and butter: Mince fresh garlic cloves and set them aside. Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan, stirring in the garlic to create a rich, aromatic base.
- Searing the steak: Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the steak bites, cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side to get a beautiful crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Basting the steak: Once the steak bites are seared, add the garlic butter to the pan. Continuously baste the steak with the melted garlic butter for added flavor.
- Finishing touches: Remove the steak bites from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired, and set aside to rest for a few minutes.
Step 2: Making Mashed Potatoes
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Mashing technique: Once the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes), drain them and return them to the pot. Mash using a potato masher or a ricer for a smooth texture.
- Adding butter and cream: Stir in generous amounts of butter and heavy cream or milk to create a creamy consistency. For extra flavor, add garlic powder or roasted garlic.
- Seasoning: Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For a richer option, stir in parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Step 3: Cooking the Green Beans
- Preparing the beans: Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, just until they become tender but still crisp.
- Sautéing the beans: After blanching, sauté the green beans in a skillet with olive oil or butter. For added flavor, toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Finishing touches: Optionally, add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to give the green beans a bright, fresh finish.
Step 4: Plating and Presentation
- Arranging the components: On a plate, create a bed of mashed potatoes, placing the garlic butter steak bites over the top. Arrange the green beans on the side for a balanced visual.
- Optional garnish: Drizzle extra garlic butter over the steak bites and sprinkle fresh parsley or grated parmesan for an elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Portion Sizes
- Plate approximately 4-5 ounces of steak bites per serving, with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and a side of green beans. Adjust the portion sizes based on the number of people being served.
Accompaniments
- Wine pairings: A bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich flavor of the garlic butter steak.
- Additional sides: Consider serving with a light, fresh side salad or roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus for more variety.
- Bread or rolls: A crusty baguette or warm rolls can be a great addition to help soak up the remaining garlic butter sauce.
Meal Customization
- Substitutions: For a healthier option, substitute mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash.
- Keto-friendly option: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash, or serve with a green salad for a low-carb alternative.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans recipe is the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity. With tender steak bites bursting with flavor, creamy mashed potatoes, and crisp green beans, it’s a dish that brings comfort to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and share your experience with friends and family. It’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home!
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for steak bites?
The best cuts for steak bites are sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin because they are tender and flavorful. These cuts sear well and remain juicy inside.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the steak bites, mashed potatoes, and green beans ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers, and reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A stainless steel pan or non-stick skillet will work as alternatives. However, cast-iron provides the best sear and flavor retention for steak bites.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
To avoid overcooking, sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat and then immediately remove them from the pan. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What’s the best way to add flavor to mashed potatoes?
You can add flavor to mashed potatoes by incorporating roasted garlic, sour cream, cheese, or herbs like chives or rosemary. Experiment with different flavors to suit your preferences.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, use less butter, replace heavy cream with milk or broth, and increase the proportion of vegetables like green beans or add a fresh salad.