Cowboy Butter Steak & Potato Skillet
Hey there, food-loving friend! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe. This isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about whipping up pure joy in a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine those cozy nights, or those bustling get-togethers – this dish fits right in, bringing warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of happy vibes to the table. Seriously, prepare to fall in love.
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Steak & Potato Skillet
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
All-in-One Meal
This skillet delivers a complete, satisfying meal with tender steak and hearty potatoes, all cooked together in one pan. Less cleanup, more deliciousness!
Unforgettable Flavor
The “Cowboy Butter” is truly a game-changer! It’s a rich, herbaceous, and garlicky butter sauce that elevates the steak and potatoes to an incredible level of savory deliciousness.
Restaurant-Quality at Home
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end steakhouse, right in your own kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to unleash your inner chef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! Toss in extra veggies, adjust the spice, or use your favorite cut of steak.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory steak, tender potatoes, and that irresistible garlicky butter, making it a universal favorite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
For the Steak & Potatoes
Sirloin Steak
A great choice for this skillet as it’s flavorful and cooks relatively quickly. You can also use other cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak cut into pieces.
Baby Potatoes
Small, tender potatoes like baby Yukon Golds, red new potatoes, or fingerlings are perfect. They cook quickly and get beautifully tender and slightly crispy.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the steak and roasting the potatoes, providing a healthy fat base and helping achieve a golden-brown crust.
Salt & Black Pepper
Essential seasonings to bring out the best in the steak and potatoes.
Optional Additions:
- Broccoli Florets or Asparagus Spears: For added green veggies and nutrients.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed with the potatoes.
For the Cowboy Butter
Unsalted Butter
The rich, creamy base for our incredible Cowboy Butter. Using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
Garlic
Loads of fresh minced garlic are absolutely essential for that pungent, aromatic kick that defines cowboy butter.
Dijon Mustard
A touch of Dijon adds a sophisticated tang and helps emulsify the butter sauce, preventing it from separating.
Worcestershire Sauce
Adds a savory, umami depth that enhances the meaty flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, but a tiny pinch adds a subtle warmth and gentle heat, balancing the richness of the butter.
Smoked Paprika
Contributes a smoky, sweet flavor and a beautiful color to the butter.
Dried Thyme
An earthy, aromatic herb that complements beef wonderfully.
Fresh Parsley
Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant herbaceous freshness, a pop of color, and brightens the overall flavor.
Chives
Freshly chopped chives provide a delicate oniony flavor and another layer of freshness.
Lemon Juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire butter sauce, cutting through the richness and making the flavors sing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare Your Equipment
Grab a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect for this as it holds heat beautifully). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and sets the stage for success.
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and quarter the baby potatoes. In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer in the large skillet. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture.
Cook Potatoes
Place the skillet with the potatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and beginning to brown. Stir them once halfway through.
Prepare the Cowboy Butter
While the potatoes are roasting, make the Cowboy Butter. In a small microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and lemon juice. Set aside. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Sear the Steak
Once the potatoes are almost done (after about 15-20 minutes in the oven), remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, creating space for the steak. Pat the sirloin steak pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side of the skillet and heat over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once hot, add the steak pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness, until nicely browned.
Finish in the Oven (Optional, for thick cuts or if needed)
If your steak pieces are very thick, or if you want to ensure they are cooked through without over-searing, you can return the skillet to the oven with both the steak and potatoes for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer if unsure. Be sure to follow the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking or drying out the dish.
Combine and Coat
Remove the skillet from the oven (or stovetop). Pour about half of the prepared Cowboy Butter over the seared steak and roasted potatoes. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, spooning the remaining Cowboy Butter over each portion. Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-800 calories, depending on specific ingredients, steak cut, and butter quantity used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak & Potato Skillet
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with simple additions. Here are a few serving suggestions: serve it directly from the hot skillet at the table for a rustic feel. A side of simple steamed green beans or a crisp green salad would add freshness and balance to the rich flavors. A glass of bold red wine would also pair wonderfully.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your skillet is large enough to spread the potatoes and steak in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing/roasting.
- Pat Steak Dry: This is crucial for a good sear and a nice crust on your steak.
- Rest the Steak: While these are smaller pieces, letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking (even in the skillet) allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Cowboy Butter before adding it to the skillet and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Vary the Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting with the potatoes.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Can I make this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
- How do I make the potatoes crispier?
- Can I prepare the Cowboy Butter ahead of time?
- What’s the best internal temperature for steak?
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
- How do I store leftovers?
- Can I make this spicier?
- What if I don’t have fresh chives or parsley?
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, my friend! A recipe that’s more than just food it’s an experience, a cozy moment, a reason to gather and celebrate. I’m so excited for you to try this one and make it your own. Get cooking, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Print
Cowboy Butter Steak & Potato Skillet
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A robust and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender steak and crispy potatoes infused with a vibrant, herbaceous ‘cowboy butter’ sauce. This skillet dish is quick to prepare and packs a punch of garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect hearty dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sirloin steak, ribeye, or New York strip, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), onion powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes in a single layer if possible. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown and crispy on the outside. Season with salt and pepper during cooking. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
- Cook the Steak: Increase the heat in the skillet to high. Add the cubed steak to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness, until nicely browned.
- Combine and Finish: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the steak.
- Add about half of the prepared cowboy butter mixture to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the steak and potatoes, allowing the butter to melt and infuse its flavor.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until everything is heated through and well coated in the butter.
- Serve immediately, topped with more of the reserved cowboy butter if desired (it’s excellent for dipping!), and garnished with fresh chives or parsley.
Notes
- For best results, use a cast iron skillet as it distributes heat evenly and helps with browning.
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking. You can par-boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before frying to speed up the cooking process in the skillet.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter to your desired level of spice.
- The cowboy butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it soften slightly before using.
- Any leftover cowboy butter is fantastic on grilled chicken, fish, or corn on the cob.
- Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
- Consider adding some sliced bell peppers or onions to cook with the potatoes for added vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 400-500g)
- Calories: 600-800 (highly variable based on specific ingredients, steak cut, and butter usage)
- Sugar: 2-5g
- Sodium: 400-800mg
- Fat: 40-60g
- Saturated Fat: 20-30g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Protein: 35-45g
- Cholesterol: 150-200mg
Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Steak, Potatoes, Skillet, One-Pan, Easy Dinner, Hearty Meal, Garlic Butter, Beef