There's nothing quite like the sizzle of juicy steak hitting a hot pan, especially when it's smothered in garlic butter and topped with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. These Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes are a weeknight winner—tender, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. What began as a quick fix has since become a family favorite—bold in flavor, quick to prep, and always met with empty plates. Let’s dive into what makes this one so special.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites With Mashed Potatoes
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. These Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a dinner: rich, satisfying, and packed with bold, garlicky flavor.
First of all, it's incredibly quick to make. From searing the steak to whipping up the mashed potatoes, everything comes together in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
This recipe is also easy on the wallet. It uses a budget-friendly cut like sirloin or top round, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples—think butter, garlic, and potatoes. No fancy shopping required.
Versatility is another major win here. You can swap the potatoes for cauliflower mash or serve the steak bites over rice or pasta. The garlic-Parmesan combo is incredibly adaptable.
And of course, the flavor is off the charts. Between the golden seared crust on the steak, the nutty bite of the Parmesan, and the creamy mashed potatoes underneath, every forkful is a perfect bite. Now, let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish is in its simple ingredients that work together to create something seriously delicious. It’s all about choosing the right components and preparing them well.
Steak is the star here, and you don’t need anything too expensive to make it shine. I love using sirloin because it’s tender, flavorful, and more affordable than ribeye or filet. Just be sure to cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Garlic brings the bold, aromatic foundation of this recipe. You’ll want fresh cloves for the best flavor—minced finely so they melt into the butter without burning. Garlic powder won’t give you the same depth, so stick with fresh if you can.
Parmesan cheese is added right at the end for that salty, nutty punch. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind; it melts better and delivers more flavor. It also helps create a crispy coating on the steak bites as it hits the hot pan.
Potatoes form the creamy, comforting base for this meal. I recommend Yukon Golds—they're naturally buttery and require less cream and butter to become luscious. Russets work too, but they’ll need more fat to get the same silky texture.
For equipment, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron to get that perfect steak sear. A potato masher or hand mixer also comes in handy for creating those creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
How To Make This Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites With Mashed Potatoes

Making this dish is simpler than you'd think, and the results are downright crave-worthy. Here's how it all comes together.
Start by prepping your potatoes. Peel and chop them into equal-sized chunks, then add them to a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and let them cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. While they boil, you can move on to the steak.
Cut your steak into bite-sized cubes, pat them dry with a paper towel, and season generously with salt and pepper. This step is key—dry steak sears better, and seasoning it now helps develop that rich outer crust.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When the oil shimmers, add the steak bites in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and just cooked through.
Once all the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium and return everything to the pan. Add butter and your finely minced garlic, stirring constantly so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning. After about a minute, toss in the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and cling to the steak bites, forming a savory crust.
While the steak finishes, drain your cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, a splash of warm milk or cream, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the creaminess to your liking here—just add more liquid if needed.
This whole meal comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner that feels gourmet. The steak is juicy and rich, the potatoes silky and comforting, and that garlic-Parmesan combo? Pure magic.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish stores and reheats beautifully.
For the steak bites, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, though you’ll want to reheat them gently to avoid drying them out.
Mashed potatoes can also be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm them slowly over low heat, stirring often to bring back their creamy texture.
To reheat the steak bites, use a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or oil, or pop them in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose some of that nice crust, so cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
This dish is perfect for meal prep too—just portion it into containers and enjoy a hearty, homemade lunch all week long.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes is how adaptable it is. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own or accommodate different dietary needs.
For a low-carb version, swap out the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower or steamed green beans. The steak bites pair beautifully with just about any veggie base.
If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan. You could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese for a similar umami boost.
Want to switch up the protein? This garlic-Parmesan method works wonders with chicken or even shrimp. Just adjust the cook time accordingly—shrimp only takes about 2 minutes per side, while chicken should be cooked through with no pink inside.
For a spicier take, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat. Or stir in a spoonful of pesto or chimichurri at the end for an herby twist that adds a whole new layer of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with it. This recipe is meant to be played with, adapted, and enjoyed in whatever way suits your taste buds best.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Steak Bites With Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Enjoy a deliciously savory Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites With Mashed Potatoes recipe—tender steak bites seared to perfection with garlic butter and parmesan, served atop fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup whole milk (or more, to taste)
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¼ cup butter
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Salt, to taste
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Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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Cook the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in batches and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
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Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine & Finish: Return steak to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter, and sprinkle with parmesan. Cook 1–2 minutes more, stirring to coat.
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Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top with garlic parmesan steak bites. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak—work in batches for best browning.
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For extra richness, stir a little cream cheese into the mashed potatoes.
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Great with a side of sautéed greens or roasted veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
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