Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that combines perfectly seared steak with golden, crispy potatoes, all smothered in a rich, buttery sauce. This recipe is inspired by the bold and savory flavors of cowboy cuisine, featuring a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and herbs that make every bite burst with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish will make a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

What sets Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes apart from other steak recipes is the cowboy butter itself. This flavorful, herby butter sauce is a perfect complement to the juicy steak and crispy potatoes, adding depth and richness to every bite. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—while the ingredients are few, the flavors are bold and unforgettable.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to make Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes, provide useful tips for perfecting the recipe, and offer some variations to make this dish your own. Let’s dive into the world of cowboy-inspired flavors and discover how to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and zesty cowboy butter makes for a rich, indulgent meal that will satisfy your cravings.
• Simple and Easy to Make: While the dish tastes like something you’d order at a high-end steakhouse, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients.
• Packed with Bold Flavors: The cowboy butter adds a powerful punch of garlic, herbs, and tangy lemon, transforming the steak and potatoes into something truly special.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a BBQ gathering, Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes can be tailored to suit any occasion.
• One-Pan Wonder: The potatoes are cooked right alongside the steak, making cleanup easy and reducing the number of dishes to wash.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 600-700 calories (depending on specific ingredients).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Steak and Potatoes:

• 4 steaks (ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon are great choices)
• 1 pound baby potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes), halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cowboy Butter

The first step in making Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes is to prepare the cowboy butter. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until fully combined, and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your preference.

Transfer the cowboy butter to a small serving dish or keep it in a container that can be warmed later. You can also refrigerate the butter if you plan to make it ahead of time, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving so it can be easily spread over the steak and potatoes.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

While the cowboy butter is coming together, it’s time to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Once they are clean, cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. If you’re using larger potatoes, feel free to cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the halved potatoes to the skillet and season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring them to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior. You want the potatoes to be mostly tender and crispy on the outside before adding the steak to the pan.

3. Sear the Steaks

While the potatoes are cooking, it’s time to sear the steaks. Season each steak generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. For the best flavor and texture, make sure your steaks are at room temperature before cooking.

Once the potatoes are golden brown, move them to the outer edges of the skillet to make room for the steaks in the center. Add a little more olive oil to the pan if needed, and heat it over high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steaks and ensure they’re seared on all sides.

For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. For medium, aim for 140°F. The exact cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your steaks and the heat of the pan, so use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.

4. Finish Cooking in the Oven

After the steaks are seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Allow the steaks to finish cooking for about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare or 8-10 minutes for medium, depending on the thickness of your steaks. The potatoes should continue cooking in the oven alongside the steaks, getting crispier as they cook.

5. Rest the Steaks and Serve

Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a cutting board. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy, tender steak.

While the steaks are resting, give the potatoes a quick stir in the skillet. If you like, you can place the skillet back in the oven for a few minutes to make the potatoes extra crispy. Once the steaks are rested, plate them alongside the crispy potatoes.

Top each steak with a generous scoop of the warm cowboy butter, letting it melt over the meat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes

• Choose the Right Steak: For the best results, use a cut of steak that’s thick enough to sear properly and hold its juices. Ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon are excellent choices, but you can use your preferred cut.
• Get the Steak to Room Temperature: Allowing your steak to come to room temperature before cooking ensures it cooks more evenly and results in a juicier, more flavorful steak.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For the best sear, use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron retains heat well, creating a perfect crust on the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, which makes the steak more tender and flavorful.
• Adjust the Butter: If you prefer a spicier cowboy butter, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs such as basil or oregano for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it a One-Pan Meal: If you want to keep cleanup to a minimum, use a large skillet that can fit both the potatoes and steaks. Everything will cook in the same pan, giving the potatoes extra flavor from the steak drippings.

Variations of Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes

• Add Vegetables: Make this meal even heartier by adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with the potatoes or roast them alongside the steak for a complete meal.
• Grilled Version: If you prefer grilling, you can cook the steak on the grill instead of using a skillet. Just make sure to follow the same searing and resting instructions for a perfectly cooked steak.
• Loaded Cowboy Butter: For an extra indulgent touch, add grated cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, or sour cream to your potatoes after they’re cooked. This makes for a loaded, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the steak.
• Spicy Cowboy Butter: If you like a kick of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cowboy butter. This will add an extra layer of spiciness to balance out the richness of the butter.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. You can also use a vegan steak substitute to make the entire dish plant-based.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the steak in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little extra cowboy butter to keep it moist. The potatoes can be reheated in the oven or in a skillet to retain their crispiness.

You can also freeze the potatoes (without the cowboy butter) for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in the oven to make them crispy again.

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Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the best of cowboy-inspired flavors straight to your table. With a juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and a rich, herby butter sauce, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes is the perfect combination of savory and satisfying.

The cowboy butter adds a unique twist to the classic steak and potatoes combo, turning it into something truly memorable. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is one that you can make any night of the week and feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant. So fire up your skillet, cook up some steaks, and enjoy the bold, buttery goodness that is Cowboy Butter Steak and Potatoes.