Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
There’s just something about a sizzling plate of steak tips drenched in garlic butter and served beside a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The buttery aroma fills the air, the steak melts in your mouth, and the potatoes are smooth like velvet. This dish brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, trust me, this one’s worth every bite.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe came to life on a chilly night when I was craving something hearty but not overly complicated. I had some sirloin tips in the fridge and a bag of potatoes ready to go. One quick brainstorm later, garlic butter steak tips and mashed potatoes were on the menu. The sizzle of the skillet, the rich aroma of garlic, and the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes made it an instant favorite. And from that night on, it became a regular in my comfort food lineup.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Steak tips, often made from sirloin, have long been a popular dish in the Northeastern United States, especially in New England where they’re a menu staple. Traditionally marinated and grilled or pan-seared, they offer big flavor in bite-sized form. Pairing them with mashed potatoes gives a nod to classic meat-and-potato dinners, grounding this dish in a familiar, homey tradition.
Why You’ll Love Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Get ready to fall for this one. It’s hearty, cozy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Versatile: You can serve this for a casual dinner or dress it up for guests. Either way, it delivers.
Budget-Friendly: Sirloin tips are flavorful and often more affordable than high-end cuts.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ve got a complete meal in under an hour.
Customizable: Swap in different herbs, adjust the garlic levels, or add a vegetable side.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s meat and potatoes—what’s not to love?
Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the mashed potatoes and steak marinade can be prepped in advance.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat and enjoy, or slice up the steak for wraps and sandwiches the next day.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
You’ll only need a few tricks to make this meal truly unforgettable:
- Pat the steak tips dry before cooking to get a perfect sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for that caramelized crust.
- Use warm cream and butter when mashing potatoes for a smoother texture.
- Let the steak rest after cooking to lock in all those tasty juices.
- Add a splash of the garlic butter to the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Keep it simple with these essentials:
Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Gives the steak tips a golden crust.
Potato Masher or Ricer: Helps get those mashed potatoes silky smooth.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the steak with seasoning.
Knife and Cutting Board: To prep your garlic and herbs.
Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
Ingredients in Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This dish is all about harmony—rich meat, soft potatoes, and buttery garlic magic.
- Sirloin Steak Tips: 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces. These are lean, tender, and packed with flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Brings out the natural flavor of the meat.
- Garlic Cloves: 5 cloves, minced. Adds deep, aromatic warmth to the butter sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons. For sautéing the garlic and finishing the steak with richness.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Helps achieve that perfect sear.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. A pop of color and freshness.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed. Creamy and buttery, they’re perfect for mashing.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Adds richness to the mashed potatoes.
- Cream Cheese: 2 tablespoons. Gives the potatoes a smooth, slightly tangy flavor.
- Salted Butter: 4 tablespoons. For mashing the potatoes and creating that luscious finish.
- Salt and White Pepper: To taste. Enhances and balances the potato flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
No worries if you need to switch things up a bit:
Sirloin Steak Tips: Ribeye or NY Strip, cut into chunks.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Russet potatoes will also mash well, just be sure not to overwork them.
Heavy Cream: Whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
Cream Cheese: Sour cream adds tanginess too.
Fresh Parsley: Try chives or thyme for a different herb finish.
Ingredient Spotlight
Sirloin Steak Tips: Lean yet flavorful, these cuts sear beautifully and stay juicy with just a short cook time.
Garlic: When lightly sautéed in butter, garlic turns sweet, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.

Instructions for Making Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Let’s get cooking. The kitchen is about to smell amazing.
- Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. At the same time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Combine Ingredients:
Season steak tips with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Mince your garlic and chop parsley. - Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Make sure it’s shimmering before adding the meat. - Assemble the Dish:
Add steak tips in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan). Sear on each side until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes total. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, lower the heat and add butter and garlic. Stir until fragrant. - Cook to Perfection:
Return the steak to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter for 1 minute. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, cream, and cream cheese. Season to taste. - Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the steak. Give the mashed potatoes one last whip for smoothness. - Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the garlic butter steak tips alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Add a drizzle of leftover garlic butter if you’re feeling extra.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of this dish lies in contrast. The steak tips are seared for that golden crust but stay tender inside. The garlic butter adds a savory richness that soaks into the meat. On the other hand, the mashed potatoes are velvety, smooth, and just a little tangy from the cream cheese, which balances the buttery meat beautifully.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are a few extra nuggets to guarantee dinner success:
- Use room temperature butter and cream for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Let steak rest 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Taste everything as you go. Seasoning is key.
- For extra garlic flavor, infuse the butter longer on low heat.
What to Avoid
Cooking mistakes happen. Here’s how to dodge the common ones:
- Overcrowding the pan. It steams the meat instead of searing it.
- Using cold cream in mashed potatoes. It can make them gummy.
- Overcooking steak tips. They cook fast, so stay close!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 640
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can absolutely prep this ahead. The mashed potatoes hold well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of milk. The steak tips can be marinated in advance and seared fresh. Leftovers? Store them in airtight containers and reheat gently for a delicious lunch or dinner.
How to Serve Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or some roasted asparagus to brighten things up. A crusty slice of bread to mop up the garlic butter is also never a bad idea.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Get playful with your leftovers:
- Slice steak tips for a killer steak sandwich with horseradish mayo.
- Use mashed potatoes to top a mini shepherd’s pie.
- Toss steak into a stir-fry or rice bowl.
Additional Tips
- Warm your plates before serving to keep everything hot.
- Add a splash of steak juices to the mashed potatoes for flavor.
- Keep fresh herbs handy—they brighten everything.
Make It a Showstopper
Presentation matters. Serve on white or dark plates for contrast. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives. A drizzle of leftover garlic butter over the steak adds a glossy, irresistible touch.
Variations to Try
- Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms to the garlic butter sauce.
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary or thyme instead of parsley.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar with the mashed potatoes.
- Grilled Version: Cook steak tips on the grill for a smoky char.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen steak tips?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: How do I keep mashed potatoes warm?
Place them in a bowl over simmering water, covered, or use a slow cooker on warm.
Q3: What’s the best cut for steak tips?
Sirloin is ideal, but ribeye or even tri-tip can work well too.
Q4: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Absolutely. Just know it’ll be slightly less rich.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk like oat or almond.
Q6: Is this gluten-free?
It can be. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just cook the steak in batches so it sears properly.
Q8: How do I know when steak tips are done?
They should be browned on the outside and slightly pink inside. Medium-rare to medium works best.
Q9: What’s a good herb substitute for parsley?
Chives, thyme, or even basil depending on your flavor preference.
Q10: Can I add veggies?
Yes, roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus make great additions.
Conclusion
Steak Tips with Garlic Butter and Creamy Mashed Potatoes is one of those recipes you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.
Print
Steak Tips with Garlic Butter & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender sirloin steak tips tossed in rich garlic butter and served with creamy, velvety mashed potatoes. A cozy and comforting meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Season steak tips with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and chop parsley.
- Add olive oil to hot skillet. Sear steak tips in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes, working in batches if needed. Set aside.
- Lower heat and add butter and garlic to skillet. Stir until fragrant.
- Return steak to skillet and toss in garlic butter for 1 minute.
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with salted butter, cream, and cream cheese. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over steak. Whip mashed potatoes until smooth.
- Serve steak tips alongside mashed potatoes and drizzle with leftover garlic butter if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream for best mashed potato texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak tips to ensure a proper crust.
- Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: steak tips, garlic butter steak, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner
