Name: Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or beef tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter (for beef); 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional); 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk; 4 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes); Salt and pepper, to taste (for mashed potatoes)

Garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes is one of my go-to comfort meals. Juicy, seared steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with smooth, velvety mashed potatoes—it’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together surprisingly quickly. This dish is perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: tender, flavorful beef and creamy mashed potatoes. The beef bites cook fast in a hot skillet and get coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s also a flexible dish—I can switch up the herbs or use different cuts of beef depending on what I have. Plus, the whole meal is ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sirloin steak or beef tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic, minced
Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
Heavy cream or milk
More butter (for the mashed potatoes)
Salt and pepper (for seasoning the mash)

Directions

I start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks, then boiling them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15–20 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, I season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches, letting each side develop a nice crust. I avoid overcrowding the pan.
Once all the beef is seared, I reduce the heat, melt butter in the same skillet, and stir in the garlic. I let it cook just until fragrant, then toss the beef back in to coat with the garlic butter.
For the mashed potatoes, I drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with butter and cream until they’re smooth and fluffy. I season to taste with salt and pepper.
I serve the garlic butter beef bites over a bed of mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to cook, so the entire dish is ready in under 50 minutes.

Variations

I’ve added sautéed mushrooms to the garlic butter for an earthy boost.
For extra richness, I use half-and-half or cream cheese in the mashed potatoes.
Sometimes I swap parsley for rosemary or thyme to give the beef a more herbaceous flavor.
If I want a low-carb option, I serve the beef bites over cauliflower mash instead.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the beef gently in a skillet with a bit more butter to keep it moist. For the mashed potatoes, I stir in a splash of milk and microwave or reheat on the stovetop until creamy again. This meal doesn’t freeze well, so I try to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

I prefer sirloin or tenderloin because they stay tender and cook quickly, but ribeye or strip steak also work great.

Can I make the beef bites ahead of time?

I like to sear the beef fresh for the best texture, but I’ve made the mashed potatoes ahead and reheated them just before serving.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I avoid overcooking and make sure to sear it quickly over high heat. Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking helps too.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but I’ve used garlic powder in a pinch—just be sure to add it directly to the butter, not the pan, to avoid burning.

What can I serve with this besides mashed potatoes?

I sometimes serve it with rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables make a great side too.

Conclusion

Garlic butter beef bites with creamy mashed potatoes is the kind of meal I make when I want something cozy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy steak and buttery potatoes hits all the right notes—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints.