Juicy seared beef bites drenched in garlic butter and served over ultra-creamy mashed potatoes—comfort food doesn’t get better than this.
🍽 Servings: 4
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 35 minutes
🥔 Dietary Info: Gluten-Free | High-Protein
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
For the Garlic Butter Beef Bites:
Beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt & black pepper
Olive oil or butter (for searing)
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
Optional: Worcestershire sauce or red wine
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled & cubed
Heavy cream (or whole milk)
Unsalted butter
Salt & black pepper
Optional: Shredded cheddar or sour cream
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Place cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain and return to pot. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Mash until smooth and creamy. Mix in cheddar or sour cream if using. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the Beef Bites
Pat beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
Lower heat. Add garlic, butter, and thyme. Stir until butter is melted and garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Optional: Deglaze pan with a splash of Worcestershire or red wine for extra flavor.
3. Plate & Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls. Top with garlic butter beef bites and drizzle with extra pan sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
🔎 Recipe Notes
Sirloin or tenderloin is best for juicy, tender bites—avoid tough cuts.
Don’t overcook the beef! Aim for medium-rare to medium for best texture.
Let beef rest briefly before serving so juices reabsorb.
✨ Quick Intro
This dish is pure comfort: perfectly seared beef bites dripping in garlic butter, spooned over silky mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or an easy weeknight dinner, this one-skillet meal delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Pro tip: Make a little extra garlic butter—you’ll want to pour it over everything.
👣 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Boil & Mash
Yukon Gold potatoes give the smoothest texture, but Russets work too. Boil until fork-tender, then mash with butter and cream until silky.
Tip: For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a ricer instead of a masher.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Dry beef = great sear. Don’t skip patting it dry! Sear in a hot pan for that golden crust.
Tip: Avoid stirring too much—let the beef develop a crust undisturbed.
Step 3: Butter + Garlic Magic
Melt butter in the pan with garlic and thyme. The aroma alone is worth it. Deglaze with a splash of wine for even deeper flavor.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: Adds richness. Milk works, but the result will be lighter.
Thyme: Use fresh if you can—it’s more aromatic than dried.
Beef Cuts: Filet mignon, strip steak, or even ribeye also work if cut into small cubes.
Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or Dijon mustard to the pan sauce for variation.
Substitutions:
No cream? Use whole milk or a mix of milk and butter.
No fresh thyme? Use ½ tsp dried or substitute with rosemary.
Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and milk for mashed potatoes.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve With:
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Crusty bread for scooping up sauce
Drinks To Pair:
Bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
Garlic-herb butter pairs well with a crisp sparkling water or chilled lager
Hosting? Serve mini portions in ramekins for an elegant plated starter.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store beef and potatoes separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm beef in a skillet; reheat potatoes with a splash of cream or milk.
Freezer: Not recommended for mashed potatoes, but beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in garlic butter.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use precooked or leftover steak?
A: Yes! Just slice it and warm briefly in the butter garlic sauce—don’t overcook.
Q: What’s the best pan for searing beef?
A: A cast iron or stainless steel skillet gives the best browning.
Q: Can I skip the mashed potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Serve the beef over rice, polenta, or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
📝 Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites over creamy mashed potatoes is the kind of dish you crave on a cold night—or any night. It’s indulgent yet simple, flavorful yet fuss-free. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation.
💬 Join the Conversation
Did you try this recipe? What did you pair it with or add to the sauce? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag your plate and share your kitchen wins with me!