There's something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that bursts with flavor, and this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a cozy dinner that combines tender, juicy steak with golden, buttery potatoes all infused with fresh garlic and herbs—pure magic on your plate.

A white pan holds a dish with two main parts: on the left side, thin pieces of cooked steak with a brown color and a slight pink inside, garnished with small green herb leaves; on the right side, golden-yellow roasted potato wedges and halved small potatoes with a crispy look, sprinkled with grated white cheese and herbs, and a wooden cooking spoon is resting on the edge of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this skillet dish more times than I can count, mainly because it’s just so straightforward yet feels special enough to serve any night of the week. The blend of garlic and fresh herbs with the seared steak and cozy potatoes fills the kitchen with such a tempting aroma—perfect for winding down after a busy day.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in the same skillet, cutting down on cleanup and boosting flavor as each component absorbs the garlicky, herby goodness.
Juicy Steak Perfection: The combination of butter, herbs, and proper searing guarantees tender, restaurant-quality steak bites.
Buttery Crispy Potatoes: Yukon golds get beautifully golden edges and stay tender inside—pure comfort food worthy of leftovers.
Customizable Heat and Herbs: You control the spice level and herb balance, so you can tweak this to suit your taste buds every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs and garlic infuse both the steak and potatoes, while butter adds richness and helps achieve an irresistible sear and golden crust. Picking the right potatoes and steaks makes a huge difference, so I’ll share tips on that below.

Flat lay of fresh baby Yukon gold potatoes halved and quartered, a whole medium yellow onion peeled and thinly sliced vertically, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green fresh thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh rosemary sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth unsalted butter pats, two large raw steaks with visible marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Helps get those potatoes started at a nice caramelized pace before baking—don’t skip it for a rich base flavor.
Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These stay fluffy inside and crisp up nicely, plus their natural buttery flavor complements the garlic and herbs.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and soft texture that balances the savory notes beautifully once caramelized.
Minced Garlic: Divided between potatoes and steak, it ensures a layered garlic flavor without overpowering any one element.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Classic herbs for steak, adding earthiness and fragrance that elevate the whole dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out natural flavors—adjust to your liking for the perfect balance.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat kick which you can dial up or down depending on your preference.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into everything, offering richness, aiding caramelization, and creating that silky finish on both steak and potatoes.
Steak: I recommend cuts like ribeye or sirloin for tenderness and flavor, but you can really use what you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan at the end adds a salty, savory twist that takes this skillet over the top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to amp up the spices or keep it mellow and buttery, you can totally adjust based on what’s in your pantry or your mood that day.

Variation:I once swapped out fresh rosemary for oregano when I ran out, and it gave the dish a nice Mediterranean twist that my family loved.
Vegetarian twist: Try swapping steak for thick slices of portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks and keep the herb garlic butter—still delicious and hearty.
Spice Level: Feel free to omit or adjust the red pepper flakes; you can add a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note if you want more complexity.
Different Potatoes: Russets work fine but don’t crisp as nicely; fingerlings are a fantastic alternative if you want more color and variety.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a dish with two main sections: on the left, there are golden brown roasted potato wedges with a slightly crispy texture, mixed with caramelized small onion pieces and garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs laid on top; on the right, slices of medium-cooked steak show a browned crust and pink inside, arranged in a fan-like shape with a shiny glaze. An old-fashioned silver fork and a steak knife with a wooden handle rest on the right edge of the plate. In the background, a black cast iron pan with more cooked steak pieces is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Start Searing

First, I preheat the oven to 400°F and dice the baby Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces. It’s important they’re roughly the same size for even cooking—quarter the bigger ones, halve the smaller. Add olive oil to a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my go-to) and toss in the potatoes and sliced onions. Sprinkle half of the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over them before stirring well. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, moving everything occasionally until the potatoes get some golden color and the onions turn translucent but not burnt. This step packs in flavor and starts softening those potatoes.

Step 2: Butter, Bake, and Set Aside

Next, toss in 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the potatoes and onions, adding richness and helping that caramelization. Then pop the skillet into your hot oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender with a slightly crisp outside. Carefully remove the skillet (it’s hot!) and scoop the potatoes out onto a plate; cover with foil to keep warm. Trust me on this—dividing the cooking like this means every bit of the final dish is perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks in Garlic Herb Butter

Use the same skillet—no need to dirty another pan! Put it back on medium heat and add the remaining butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the butter melts and the aroma bursts out of your kitchen. Add the steaks and let them sear without moving them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. I swear by using a digital thermometer here—pull the steaks when they’re 5 degrees below your target temperature; they’ll finish cooking nicely while resting.

Step 4: Rest, Rewarm, and Serve

Let your steaks rest on a plate or cutting board loosely covered with foil for at least 5 minutes—that’s key for juicy slices. Meanwhile, toss those potatoes back into the skillet to warm through gently. Finally, slice the steak against the grain, mix it with the potatoes, sprinkle with Parmesan if you like, and serve right away. This dish tastes best warm and fresh, but leftovers are superb too (I’m getting to that).

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe, I’ve learned that a few small details really make it shine and avoid the common pitfalls that turn steak tough or potatoes unevenly cooked.

Use a Heavy Skillet: Cast iron or enameled cast iron works best because it holds heat well, giving a better sear and even cooking.
Season Incrementally: Dividing your garlic, herbs, and spices in two parts helps build flavor gradually without overpowering.
Thermometer Over Guesswork: Trust a digital thermometer to check steak doneness—you’ll never have to worry about overcooking again.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Resting the steak locks in juices and lets carryover cooking finish the job perfectly without drying it out.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle some freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top right before serving—the salty, nutty kick really sets it apart. A quick handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this dish includes potatoes, I like to keep sides lighter—some sautéed green beans with garlic, a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of acidity work wonderfully. If you want, a crusty bread or even a simple coleslaw can round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this skillet family-style at the table with some extra herbs artfully scattered on top and small ramekins of aioli or chimichurri on the side. It makes for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can help themselves, and it feels both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge—it usually lasts 3 to 4 days without losing much of the flavor or texture. Reheating gently ensures that the potatoes don’t dry out and that the steak remains juicy.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this dish as well. Slice the steak and portion the steak and potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep quality intact.

Reheating

Microwaving works for a quick reheat, but I prefer warming leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat on low, stirring occasionally until warmed through—this helps maintain a lovely texture on the potatoes and prevents the steak from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of steak in this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While I often use ribeye or sirloin, you can substitute with strip steak, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just remember that thinner or tougher cuts might benefit from slightly different cooking times or additional resting to remain tender.

What type of skillet should I use for this recipe?

I recommend a cast iron, enameled cast iron, or stainless steel skillet that is oven-safe. These types hold heat evenly and allow for great searing. Avoid nonstick skillets that are not designed for high heat or oven use since you’ll be moving the skillet from stovetop to oven.

How do I check the steak’s doneness properly?

Using a digital instant-read thermometer is your best bet. For medium-rare, aim for about 130°F and pull the steak from heat when it’s around 125°F because it will continue to cook slightly while resting. This ensures juicy, tender steak without guesswork.

Can this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use pure spices and check that your Parmesan cheese and any additional seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten. It’s a perfect choice if you're avoiding gluten but craving a hearty steak and potatoes meal.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is hands down one of my favorite weeknight dinners or weekend treats. It’s simple enough for a fast dinner but impressive enough to bring friends or family together around the table. I love how the flavors come alive with minimal fuss and how leftovers reheat so beautifully the next day. Give it a shot—you might just find your new go-to steak and potatoes recipe that everyone asks for again and again.