Introduction:
Few meals hit the comfort-food sweet spot like a Loaded Baked Potato — but when you top it with tender, juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites, it becomes a full, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend indulgence. This recipe pairs crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside baked potatoes with flavorful steak bites coated in rich garlic butter, making every bite crave-worthy.
Origin:
Baked potatoes have long been a comfort food staple in American and British cuisine, often served loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon. Steak bites, a popular steakhouse-inspired dish, offer all the richness of steak in a quicker, easier-to-cook format. Together, they form a fusion of hearty, casual cuisine perfect for a filling main course.
Ingredients:
For the Loaded Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt (for skin)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter (optional for inside the potato)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Ingredients/Substitutes:
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Use sweet potatoes for a more nutrient-dense base.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra richness.
- Use blue cheese or pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
- For steak alternatives: try chicken bites or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.
Instructions:
1. Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub potatoes, prick with a fork, rub with olive oil and salt.
- Bake directly on the oven rack for 50–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- While potatoes are baking, pat steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat.
- Add steak bites in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Stir the steak bites in the garlic butter for another 1–2 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley.
3. Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Slice open each baked potato and fluff the inside with a fork.
- Add butter (optional), cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon.
- Top generously with garlic butter steak bites.
- Finish with green onions and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Let steak rest at room temperature before cooking for even browning.
- Use a hot skillet and avoid crowding for proper sear on the steak.
- Choose russet potatoes for their fluffy interior when baked.
- Adjust garlic in the butter to your preference—go big for extra flavor!
Recommendations:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Make it party-friendly: serve steak bites and mini baked potatoes as appetizers.
- Great for meal prepping — just store components separately and reheat before assembling.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 loaded potato + steak bites):
- Calories: 690
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 38g
(Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.)