There’s something so satisfying about a hearty, all-in-one dinner — and this One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe definitely delivers. With tender, juicy steak nestled among golden, buttery potatoes, it’s simple comfort food that feels a little special every time I make it.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe has saved me on busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and hits all those savory, buttery notes that make dinner feel like a win.
- One-pan magic: You cook everything in a single skillet, cutting down on dishes without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfectly cooked steak every time: Using a thermometer ensures your steak is just right — no guesswork involved.
- Flavor-packed potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes thrive in garlic butter and herbs, becoming tender with crisp edges.
- Customizable and easy: You can swap herbs, adjust spice levels, or add cheese to suit your mood and pantry.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this dish is really about letting simple ingredients shine, coming together in buttery harmony. I always pick baby Yukon gold potatoes because they hold shape well and get that perfect crispy edge without falling apart. And, fresh herbs tied with garlic butter? Absolute game changers!
- Olive Oil: Ideal for initial cooking and helps potatoes crisp up without sticking.
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins crisp beautifully.
- Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and softens nicely as it cooks with the potatoes.
- Minced Garlic: Divided use ensures garlic flavor is present but not overpowering.
- Fresh Thyme & Rosemary: These herbs infuse the dish with that classic earthy, savory aroma.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning — remember to taste and adjust!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint adds warmth without intimidation.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that gorgeous, golden crust on both meat and potatoes.
- Steak: Choose your preferred cut; I often go for ribeye or sirloin for balance between tenderness and flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkling on top adds a lovely salty finish that's totally worth it.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to personalize it — that’s part of the fun!
- Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions and potatoes — it adds extra flavor and texture I enjoy.
- Herb swaps: If fresh thyme or rosemary isn't available, dried works fine, or try oregano or tarragon for a twist.
- Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese, still delicious!
- Spice level: Feel free to play with the red pepper flakes — add more for some heat or leave out completely for a milder dish.
Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Potatoes & Onions
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Dice those baby Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces — quartered if they're big, halved if smaller — then toss them with olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. You want something sturdy like cast iron or stainless steel because this skillet goes from stove to oven. Sprinkle half the garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the potatoes and sliced onions, then give everything a good toss so each piece is coated well. Sauté this mixture over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to help the potatoes get a light golden crust and the onions to soften and turn translucent.
Step 2: Add Butter and Bake the Potatoes
Once those potatoes have some lovely color, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt all over. Then, pop the whole skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. This is the time when the potatoes finish getting soft inside and crispy on the edges — you’ll love the contrast!
Step 3: Rest the Potatoes and Sear the Steak
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using a pot holder, and transfer the potatoes onto a plate or bowl. Cover with foil to keep them warm while you work on the steak. Place your skillet back on the stove, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, the rest of the garlic, herbs, and spices, and melt over medium heat, stirring to combine. Now comes the fun part — add your steaks and sear them undisturbed on the first side. You’ll want to follow the doneness chart below or just use a digital thermometer to know exactly when to flip. I always recommend pulling the steak when it’s about 5 degrees below your target internal temperature — carryover cooking during resting will finish it perfectly.
Step 4: Rest, Rewarm Potatoes, and Serve
After searing both sides, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep those juices locked in. Meanwhile, add potatoes back to the skillet to gently rewarm. Once rested, slice steaks against the grain, toss them back with the potatoes, and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and savor every bite.
Top Tip
I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and a few little habits have really helped me nail it — I want to share those with you so your meal is just as delicious as mine.
- Use a Reliable Thermometer: I learned the hard way to never guess steak doneness. A quick check with a meat thermometer means no surprises.
- Don’t Rush Resting: Let the steak sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking; this redistributes juices for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Choose the Right Skillet: Cast iron or oven-safe stainless steel gives you that perfect sear and makes transitioning from stovetop to oven a breeze.
- Divide Seasonings: Splitting herbs and spices between potatoes and steak avoids overpowering and gives balanced flavor all around.
How to Serve One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the dish with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which I think adds that perfect salty, savory finish. Sometimes, I’ll scatter freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the richness if you like a little zing.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is pretty hearty, I like to keep sides light and crisp — a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus pairs beautifully. For a little indulgence, garlic butter green beans or sautéed mushrooms complement the steak wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the sliced steak over a bed of the buttery potatoes on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of dipping sauces like horseradish cream or garlic aioli. It makes the meal feel a bit fancier while keeping the cozy vibe intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover steak and potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator — they last up to 4 days and remain surprisingly tasty. I like to keep the steak slices separate or layered lightly with potatoes to avoid mushiness.
Freezing
Freezing works too if you want meal prep convenience. I freeze cooked steak and potatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. They keep well for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer gently warming leftovers in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium heat to refresh the crispy edges, but a quick microwave stint works in a pinch. Just watch closely so you don’t overcook the steak.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I recommend using an oven-safe skillet, like cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron. Avoid nonstick pans designed only for low heat, as this dish requires high heat on both stovetop and in the oven for perfect searing and crisping.
Absolutely. While I prefer ribeye or sirloin for this recipe, you can use filet mignon, strip steak, or even skirt steak. Just note that thinner cuts may cook faster so adjust searing times accordingly and always use a thermometer to check doneness.
Using a digital meat thermometer is the best way. Remove the steak from the heat when it’s about 5°F below your desired final temperature because the meat continues to cook during resting. For example, for medium-rare, pull at 125°F and let it rest to 130°F.
Yes! Simply swap the butter for extra olive oil when cooking your potatoes and steak, and omit the Parmesan garnish. You’ll still get a tasty, flavorful dish without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe has become one of my go-to’s whenever I want a fuss-free but indulgent meal. The way the flavors build, the ease of clean-up, and the juicy steak paired with golden potatoes make it feel like a special occasion dinner any night of the week. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — tweak it, make it yours, and savor every bite!
Print
One-Skillet Steak and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious one-skillet meal featuring juicy steak bites cooked in garlic butter with fresh herbs, paired with tender, buttery Yukon gold potatoes crisped to perfection. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner and can be made quickly using a single oven-safe skillet.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes (diced in half or quartered to create bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and sliced thinly, vertically)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (divided)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme; divided)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (divided)
Steak and Garnish
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 ½ pounds steak (about 2 large or 4 smaller steaks)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (remaining)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (remaining) or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (remaining) or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt (remaining)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (remaining)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (remaining)
- 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for garnishing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Dice the Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces or wedges. Add olive oil to a large oven-safe skillet, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or enameled cast iron—avoid nonstick skillets not rated for the oven.
- Cook Potatoes and Onions: Add the diced potatoes and sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Evenly sprinkle with half of the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat everything well. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping intermittently, until the potatoes are lightly golden brown and the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Butter and Bake: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and fully cooked.
- Remove Potatoes and Keep Warm: Using a pot holder, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the cooked potatoes and onions to a plate or bowl, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside.
- Sear the Steaks: Place the same skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter along with the remaining garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the herbs are fragrant. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear them undisturbed on the first side according to your preferred doneness (use a digital thermometer).
- Check Doneness and Rest Steaks: Flip the steaks as needed and continue cooking to your desired internal temperature. Remove steaks when they are 5 degrees below your target temperature, then let them rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 to 10 minutes to allow carryover cooking.
- Rewarm Potatoes: While the steaks rest, add the potatoes back to the skillet and gently warm them over low heat.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested steaks against the grain and return the sliced meat to the skillet with the potatoes. Optionally, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and serve immediately. This dish is best fresh and warm, but leftovers can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel; avoid nonstick skillets not rated for high heat in the oven.
- Cooking steaks to the correct doneness with a digital thermometer ensures perfect results every time; pull steaks out 5°F below your goal to accommodate carryover cooking.
- The Parmesan cheese garnish is optional but adds a nice touch of savory flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stove.
- If you prefer more spice, adjust the red pepper flakes and salt to taste.
- Be sure to slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs at half the quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 768 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 57 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 213 mg
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