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!