A delectable and comforting dish that combines tender, perfectly seared garlic butter beef bites with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
For the beef bites:
- 1 pound beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the creamy mashed potatoes:
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chunked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional but delicious)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Let your steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off – this helps it cook more evenly. Pat it completely dry with paper towels (this is key for getting a great sear), then cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 2: While your steak is resting, peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Put them in a pot and cover with cold water – starting with cold water helps them cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then bring everything to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot and shimmering. Add your beef pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them – work in batches if needed. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving them around too much. You want that beautiful golden-brown crust!
Step 4: Once your beef is beautifully browned all over, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Let it melt and get foamy, then add your minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells incredible but doesn’t burn. Toss the beef to coat every piece in that gorgeous garlic butter.
Step 5: When your potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes of simmering), drain them really well and return them to the hot pot. Add butter, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until they’re as smooth or chunky as you prefer, adding a splash more milk if needed for the perfect creamy texture.
Step 6: Scoop generous portions of those creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the garlic butter beef bites and make sure to drizzle any of that precious garlic butter from the pan over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory beef, rich garlic butter, and creamy potatoes is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Comfort Food Elevated: A classic comfort food dish with a gourmet twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately after preparation for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Pair with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the richness of the dish.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mashed potatoes for extra tanginess.
Tips:
- For the most tender results, don’t overcook the beef – aim for medium-rare to medium for the perfect texture. A meat thermometer is your best friend!
- Room temperature steak sears much better than cold steak straight from the fridge, so that 20-minute rest is worth it.
- This makes an impressive date night dinner but is simple enough for a special weeknight treat when you want something fancy.
- Using heavy cream instead of milk in the potatoes makes them extra rich and restaurant-quality.
- Don’t skip patting the steak dry – moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and that crust is where all the flavor lives!
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the garlic butter sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic will provide a much better flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes, but homemade is always best!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a winning combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. With its relatively simple preparation and impressive presentation, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
Q&A:
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can substitute sirloin or ribeye with other tender cuts like tenderloin or New York strip. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
- Can I make this ahead of time? The mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, the beef bites are best served immediately for optimal tenderness. If you need to prep in advance, sear the beef and make the garlic butter sauce separately, then combine just before serving.
- I don’t have Worcestershire sauce. What can I use as a substitute? A good substitute for Worcestershire sauce is a combination of soy sauce, ketchup, and a touch of vinegar.
- Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes? Absolutely! Adding shredded cheddar, parmesan, or Gruyere cheese to the mashed potatoes will add extra flavor and creaminess.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? To make this recipe healthier, you can use olive oil instead of butter, substitute cauliflower mash for mashed potatoes, and use a leaner cut of beef. You can also reduce the amount of salt and pepper used in the recipe.
