Description
Cowboy Butter Steak & Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining juicy ribeye or sirloin steak with tender, crispy baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Infused with a rich cowboy butter sauce made from butter, garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs, this dish offers smoky, garlicky richness and comforting warmth. Simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner, it’s adaptable to fit various spice and vegetable preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 to 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cowboy Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Bell peppers or mushrooms, chopped (for vegetable add-ins)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy twist)
- Rosemary or oregano (as herb substitutions)
- Olive oil or vegan butter (as dairy-free alternatives)
- Chicken thighs or pork chops (alternative proteins)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Parboil them in boiling water until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. This step ensures the potatoes will be crispy when later cooked in the skillet.
- Season and Sear the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove the steak and let it rest while you prepare the potatoes.
- Crisp the Potatoes: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Toss in the parboiled potatoes and cook over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the cowboy butter sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the rested steak to the skillet alongside the crispy potatoes. Dollop the cowboy butter over the steak and potatoes, allowing it to melt and coat everything with its rich, glossy sauce. Spoon melted butter over the dish before serving.
Notes
- Let steak come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure potatoes crisp up instead of steaming.
- Adjust garlic and smoked paprika quantities in the cowboy butter to taste.
- Allow the steak to rest after searing to retain juicy flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to maintain vibrant aroma and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg