Name: Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, diced in half or quartered; 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced vertically; 2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), divided; 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary), divided; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 1/2 pounds steak (about 2 large or 4 smaller steaks); 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnishing)

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty skillet meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a one-pan wonder where juicy, savory steak meets tender buttery potatoes, all infused with fragrant herbs and garlic. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

The image shows a white round pan holding two main layers of food side by side. On the left side, there are thin slices of cooked steak, medium rare with pink centers and browned edges, sprinkled with green herbs. On the right side, there are golden brown roasted potato wedges that look crispy, topped with fine shreds of white cheese and garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs. A wooden spatula rests on the right edge of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a textured gray background visible at the very top. 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’m obsessed with how this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe brings together bold flavors with minimal fuss. One skillet does it all, turning simple ingredients into a dish that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week.

One-pan magic: You cook the potatoes and steak right in the same skillet, cutting down cleanup.
Herby garlic flavors: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic create a fragrant and savory punch.
Perfectly cooked steak every time: Using a digital thermometer guarantees steaks are just how you like them.
Comfort food winner: Buttery potatoes with crispy edges alongside juicy steak hits every cozy food craving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe plays an important role, balancing flavor, texture, and ease. Here's a quick breakdown to help you shop smarter and understand what makes this dish so tasty.

Flat lay of fresh baby Yukon gold potatoes halved and quartered, a medium yellow onion sliced thinly vertically, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh rosemary sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, two raw large steaks with rich marbling, and a small white ceramic bowl of shredded Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed 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: The perfect base for roasting potatoes and sautéing onions, adding a subtle fruity note and helping everything crisp up.
Baby Yukon gold potatoes: These are creamy inside with thin skins that get nice and crisp when sautéed, perfect for bite-sized pieces.
Yellow onion: Adds mellow sweetness and softness that contrast beautifully with the garlic and herbs.
Minced garlic: Divided into two parts for layering of flavor – roasted sweetness with the potatoes and robust garlic butter for the steak.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs add that classic, woodsy flavor that pairs so well with steak—fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both steak and potatoes; I always encourage tasting and adjusting to your preference.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a gentle kick, balancing the richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps everything brown and caramelize beautifully.
Steak: Choose your favorite cut (I love ribeye or sirloin for this) and allow it to come to room temperature before cooking for even searing.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Optional but adds a salty, nutty garnish that takes things over the top—definitely my secret weapon.

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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 the things I love about this Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether it’s swapping herbs or adding a spicy twist, it’s your canvas to experiment.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor—that always feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with coconut oil or leave it out and use extra olive oil, just keep an eye on the flavor balance.
Seasonal change: Swap Yukon gold potatoes for sweet potatoes in the fall for a sweeter bite that pairs beautifully with rosemary and garlic.

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

A white plate holds a serving of sliced steak and roasted potato pieces. On the right side, there are four slices of steak with a slightly pink center and brown seared edges, showing a juicy texture. On the left, golden roasted potatoes with a slight browning on the edges are mixed with small bits of caramelized onion. A small sprig of green thyme rests on top of the potatoes, adding a fresh touch. To the right of the plate, a silver fork and a steak knife with a wooden handle rest partially on the plate. The plate sits on a stack of two plates, also white. The background is a white marbled surface with an iron skillet filled with more steak pieces blurred in the background. A small bunch of fresh rosemary is seen in the far right background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Those Potatoes and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Dice your baby Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces—that means halves or quarters depending on their size. Heat your olive oil over medium-high in a large oven-safe skillet (I love using my cast iron for this). Add potatoes, thinly sliced onions, and half the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything so it’s evenly coated, then cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown on the potatoes and softened, translucent onions. This step builds the foundation for flavor and texture—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Butter Up and Oven-Bake the Potatoes

Once your potatoes and onions are looking beautifully golden, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt down to enhance that rich flavor. Then pop the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your potatoes are fork-tender. Be sure to use an oven mitt when handling the skillet – it’ll be hot! This baking step crisps the edges and finishes cooking the potatoes perfectly.

Step 3: Rest the Potatoes and Start the Steak Sear

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the potatoes onto a plate or bowl, covering them with foil to keep warm. Now place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat and add the remaining butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the butter is melted and fragrant. Don’t rush the garlic here—letting it gently bloom in butter transforms the flavor.

Step 4: Sear the Steaks to Perfection

Add the steaks to the skillet and let them sear undisturbed on the first side. Timing here depends on thickness and desired doneness; I always use a digital thermometer rather than guessing. Flip when the temperature indicates it’s time—remember, pull the steaks when they’re about 5°F shy of your target temp because they continue cooking while resting. Rest the steaks on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to keep them juicy.

Step 5: Rewarm Potatoes, Slice, and Serve

While the steaks rest, return the potatoes to the skillet to gently warm back up in all that leftover deliciousness. Slice your steak against the grain, mix it back into the potatoes, and if you want, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese for that extra umami hit. Serve immediately and enjoy every mouthwatering bite.

Top Tip

I learned early on that using a digital thermometer makes all the difference when cooking steaks. It removes the guesswork and ensures you get the perfect doneness every time—no more dry or undercooked steaks!

Let the steak rest: Always rest your steak after cooking for at least 5 minutes to let those juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If your skillet is too small for the steaks, cook in batches to avoid steaming the meat instead of searing it.
Use high heat wisely: Give the pan time to get hot before adding steaks so you get that beautiful crust.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper—good seasoning is the key to fantastic flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top right at the end—it melts slightly and gives a lovely salty finish. Sometimes I’ll also add a little chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up, especially in warmer months.

Side Dishes

This skillet recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but I like serving it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans to add some crunch and freshness. A crusty bread also pairs beautifully for mopping up all that buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? I like to plate the steak slices fanned out on a platter beside the skillet-roasted potatoes, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary. It turns a humble skillet dish into something inviting and warm—perfect for cozy gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating gently so the steak stays tender and the potatoes don’t get mushy—use medium power in the microwave in short bursts or warm in a skillet with a little butter or oil.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times and it works fine—just make sure everything’s cooled completely before freezing in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures intact.

Reheating

My trick is to reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the steak from drying out. Avoid microwaving too long at once; instead, do short intervals and check often.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, or even filet mignon work great. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and preferred doneness. Using a thermometer helps to get it perfect every time.

Do I have to use fresh herbs or can I use dried?

You can use dried herbs if that’s what you have. Just use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor, especially when added at the end.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple whole ingredients. Just check your Parmesan or any other packaged ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten.

What’s the best way to check steak doneness?

Using a digital meat thermometer is key. Aim for about 5°F less than your target temperature when cooking because the steak will continue to cook while resting. Here’s a quick guide: Rare 125°F, Medium Rare 135°F, Medium 145°F, Medium Well 150°F, Well Done 160°F.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to when I want something delicious, comforting, and impressively simple. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a casual dinner with friends, it feels like I’ve created a meal worthy of celebration without complicated steps. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—prepare to savor every tender bite and buttery, garlicky potato chunk. Happy cooking!