If you’re craving a dinner that feels downright indulgent but comes together quicker than you’d imagine, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe brings restaurant-worthy flavors into my kitchen with an easy, comforting twist — tender steak bites bathed in a rich garlic butter, topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce, and served on a bed of cheesy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Steak bites cook fast, so you’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter and Parmesan sauce add layers of rich, savory goodness that make this dish unforgettable.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheese are the perfect cozy base for the steak.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the seasonings and sides to match your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients work together like a flavor dream team. When choosing your steak, I recommend going for ribeye or sirloin for that perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor. And a little heads-up — avocado oil is my go-to here because it handles the high heat beautifully without burning or smoking up your kitchen.
- Steak filet (ribeye, sirloin, etc): Choose fresh or well-marbled cuts for juicy bites.
- Avocado oil: Higher smoke point than olive oil, perfect for searing.
- Butter: Adds richness; divided use lets you layer flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic minced into the sauce and butter for aroma and depth.
- Heavy cream: Gives the Parmesan sauce its lush, silky texture.
- Green onions: Fresh crunch and mild onion flavor brighten the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Provide a subtle kick; adjust to your heat preference.
- Parmesan cheese: The star in the sauce — freshly grated works best.
- Russet potatoes: Ideal for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Half and half: Warmed to blend smoothly into the potatoes.
- Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella/pepper jack): Melts beautifully for cheesy mashed potatoes.
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper: Seasonings for the potatoes and the homemade blackened seasoning.
- Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, thyme, oregano: Essential spices to make your own blackened seasoning — trust me, it’s worth it!
Variations
This garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan sauce recipe is a great base, but I love switching things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what kind of night I’m aiming for. Feel free to get creative!
- Spicy kick: I’ve added extra cayenne and red pepper flakes when I want a bolder heat — my family goes crazy for it that way.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and omit the cheese; you’ll still get a luscious sauce with a different twist.
- Different cheeses: Sometimes I use sharp cheddar or Asiago in the mashed potatoes for a punchier flavor.
- Veggie additions: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted asparagus on the side to make it a full meal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Steak and Potatoes Like a Pro
Start by cutting your steak into roughly 2-3 inch pieces. You want them bite-sized but not too small to keep them juicy. Rub all sides evenly with avocado oil — this helps the blackened seasoning stick and creates a perfect sear. Speaking of seasoning, I mix a homemade blackened blend with smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs — it gives the steak an incredible depth of flavor. After seasoning, let the steak sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature; this trick helps it cook evenly and brings out the best texture.
Step 2: Boil Potatoes While You Cook the Steak
Peel and quarter your russet potatoes, then soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to pull out excess starch — this makes your mashed potatoes extra fluffy. Drain, then boil in salted water until fork tender, about 15 minutes. While the potatoes cook, move to your steak on the stovetop — multitasking here saves so much time!
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites to Golden Perfection
Heat 2–3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat — hot but not smoking. Add the steak pieces in a single layer without overcrowding; you might need to work in batches. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip once and cook for another minute. Then, lower the heat and cook 1 more minute to finish. Remove the steak onto a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. This method locks in juices — I discovered this trick after too many dry bites in the past!
Step 4: Make That Garlic Butter Magic
In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant — this is where the flavor gets next-level. Toss the steak bites back in to coat in this glorious garlic butter, cooking an additional minute. Then set the steak aside again. Don’t skip this step — it really seals the deal on flavor.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Still using the skillet with all those tasty browned bits, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so it thickens just right. Stir in red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and the grated Parmesan. As the cheese melts into the sauce, you’ll notice it becoming luxuriously smooth and thick. Taste and tweak salt and pepper — balance is everything here.
Step 6: Finish Those Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Drain your potatoes and mash them up with melted butter and warmed half-and-half until creamy and smooth. Then fold in shredded Monterey Jack or your favorite melty cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts into those fluffy potatoes — I find this cheesy base makes the perfect partner to the rich steak bites and sauce.
Step 7: Plate It Up and Enjoy!
To serve, spoon a generous scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate, layer with garlic butter steak bites, and drizzle the warm Parmesan cream sauce on top. I love watching the sauce drizzle over everything — it just feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Let the Steak Warm Up: Taking the chill off the steak before cooking makes it sear evenly and remain tender.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook steak bites in batches if needed — crowding steams the meat instead of searing it.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Manage Heat Carefully: Medium-high heat works best; too hot and the butter can burn, too low and you won’t get that golden crust.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper on top — that little pop of color and freshness finishes the dish beautifully. Sometimes a light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Besides the cheesy mashed potatoes, try serving with simple roasted or steamed vegetables like garlic green beans, asparagus, or a crisp spinach salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to thread the steak bites onto skewers as mini kebabs, drizzle the Parmesan cream sauce in a beautiful swirl, and sprinkle with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant vibe. Dinner parties have never been easier or more impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. The steak bites stay surprisingly tender — just keep the sauce separate when possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of the steak bites and Parmesan sauce separately with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge to keep texture intact. Potatoes don’t freeze as well, so I usually make those fresh.
Reheating
Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or oil to avoid drying out. Warm the Parmesan sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring to reincorporate. Microwaving works too, but go slow with low power.
FAQs
-
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or even New York strip work well. Just choose well-marbled steaks for juicy bites, and cut them evenly for consistent cooking.
-
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
If you don’t have avocado oil, grapeseed or refined coconut oil are good alternatives because of their high smoke points. Olive oil works in a pinch but tends to burn faster at high heat.
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
-
How do I know when my steak bites are done?
They should be browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness on the inside. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130–135°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something that feels indulgent yet easy and approachable. I love sharing it because it’s one of those dishes where every bite has you savoring that buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness. When you try it, I think you’ll find it hits that perfect comfort food spot without hours in the kitchen. Give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out — your family might just ask for it every week!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor these Garlic Butter Steak Bites served with creamy Parmesan sauce over cheesy mashed potatoes, a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any steak lover.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 lbs steak filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil (higher smoke point than olive oil)
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning: 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 10 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 green onions, diced (both green and white parts)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (less if desired)
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated/shredded/shaved
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup half and half, warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.), shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- About 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the steak into 2-3 inch pieces. Rub evenly with avocado oil, then season all sides generously with the homemade blackened seasoning. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to remove the chill while you prepare the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and quarter the russet potatoes. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and place in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork tender as you cook the steak.
- Cook Steak: Heat 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden. Flip once, cook 1 more minute, reduce heat to low and cook another minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl.
- Garlic Butter Toss: Add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant. Toss steak back into the pan, coating all sides in the garlic butter and cooking for another minute. Remove steak and keep tented with foil to maintain moisture.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same pan with residual butter and garlic, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and add melted butter and warmed half-and-half. Mash until smooth with no chunks. Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Finish Sauce and Plate: Add red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and parmesan cheese to the cream sauce. Whisk until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve steak bites over cheesy mashed potatoes and spoon the parmesan cream sauce on top.
Notes
- Avocado oil is preferred for cooking steak due to its higher smoke point.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Cooking steak in batches avoids overcrowding and ensures proper searing.
- Letting steak rest tented with foil keeps it juicy and warm.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Homemade blackened seasoning can be stored for future use.
- Soaking potatoes in water removes excess starch for fluffier mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *