Introduction
When you want a dinner that feels like comfort food but still fits a healthy, protein-packed lifestyle, Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are your new go-to. Juicy, seared beef cubes tossed with tender golden potatoes and coated in garlicky butter — it’s everything you crave in one skillet.
This meal is hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites but simple enough for weeknights. It’s rich, flavorful, and naturally high in protein, making it perfect for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or even in the air fryer, these beef bites are a crowd-pleaser every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
There’s no shortage of reasons to make this dish a regular in your meal rotation:
1. High-Protein Dinner Made Simple.
Each serving packs a hefty dose of protein thanks to tender sirloin or stew meat — perfect for refueling after a busy day or workout.
2. Incredible Garlic Butter Flavor.
Butter, garlic, and herbs create a mouthwatering sauce that clings to each piece of beef and potato.
3. One-Pan Efficiency.
You’ll cook everything in one skillet or pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
4. Comfort Food That Fits a Healthy Lifestyle.
This recipe delivers that cozy “Sunday dinner” feeling while staying balanced with lean protein and whole ingredients.
5. Adaptable for Meal Prep or Slow Cooking.
Make it ahead for weekday lunches or toss it into your slow cooker for a hands-off dinner.
This meal is proof that high-protein dinners can be hearty, nourishing, and full of flavor — not bland or boring.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients.
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels — this ensures they sear beautifully. Halve the potatoes so they cook evenly.
2. Sear the potatoes.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Sear the beef bites.
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce.
Lower heat to medium, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add smoked paprika and Italian seasoning.
5. Combine and toss.
Return beef and potatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce until well-coated. Cook for another minute or two so the flavors meld.
6. Garnish and serve.
Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Serve hot and enjoy the magic of simple, high-protein comfort food.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This dish is a full meal on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate it from hearty to restaurant-worthy.
Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel. The buttery sauce coats every bite, making it ideal for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
For a balanced plate, add a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans for freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, it pairs beautifully with a creamy mac dish — learn more about side ideas in Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
When entertaining, plate the beef and potatoes in shallow bowls, drizzle extra garlic butter on top, and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this dish delivers flavor and nutrition in equal measure.
How to Store Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
To keep leftovers just as delicious:
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer:
Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
Meal Prep Tip:
Divide portions into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. It reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture.
For crockpot lovers, you can also pre-sear the beef and potatoes, freeze them together, then toss them directly into your slow cooker for an effortless future meal.
Discover more make-ahead inspiration like:
Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites Perfectly
- Use the right cut: Sirloin is ideal — tender, lean, and flavorful. Ribeye works too for extra richness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This ensures each piece sears properly, giving that beautiful brown crust.
- Add butter last: Adding butter toward the end prevents burning and keeps it rich and aromatic.
- Rest the beef: Letting the meat rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain juiciness.
- Adjust to your taste: Add extra garlic or toss in chopped rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Balance flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish brightens the buttery richness beautifully.
- For extra protein: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or peas near the end of cooking — they soak up the garlic butter and boost the protein profile.
Looking for another cozy high-protein dinner? Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.
Variations of Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Crockpot Version:
Sear the beef first for extra flavor, then add it to your slow cooker with potatoes, butter, garlic, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3. - Healthy Sheet Pan Version:
Toss everything together and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden. - Spicy Cajun Beef Bites:
Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for bold southern heat. - Herb Lovers’ Style:
Replace Italian seasoning with rosemary and thyme for a rustic, earthy flavor. - Keto-Friendly Swap:
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a low-carb version.
These small tweaks let you enjoy this high-protein meal your way — from clean eating to indulgent comfort food.
FAQs
1. Can I use stew meat instead of sirloin?
Yes! Stew meat works great but may need a few extra minutes to become tender.
2. What potatoes are best for this recipe?
Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up best and caramelize beautifully.
3. Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook potatoes first at 400°F for 10 minutes, add beef, and cook 8–10 minutes more. Toss in garlic butter after cooking.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes — freeze after cooking or as prepped raw ingredients for easy future meals.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter or olive oil instead. It’s still full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes prove that healthy high-protein dinners don’t have to be bland or complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and huge flavor, this recipe hits all the right notes — buttery, garlicky, tender, and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and wholesome, this one-pan wonder will earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes – The Best High-Protein Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy garlic butter beef bites with tender golden potatoes. A high protein dinner made in one pan for maximum flavor and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 1/2 lbs baby Yukon gold or red potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch red pepper flakes; lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Halve potatoes. Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add olive oil. Sear potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sear beef in a single layer 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer beef to the plate with potatoes.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and Italian seasoning.
5. Return beef and potatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter; cook 1 to 2 minutes more to warm through. Adjust salt and pepper.
6. Finish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Cut beef and potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking.
For extra browning, do not move the beef for the first 2 minutes on each side.
Keto swap: use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes; reduce cook time.
Slow cooker option: sear beef, then add everything to crockpot and cook 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 160mg