Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions
Sheet Pan Cowboy Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes Step-by-step instructions

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 4
Before you start
Before beginning, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for the oven. Cut the sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate as the potatoes. Similarly, quarter the baby potatoes so they are roughly the same size as the steak.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) well in advance to ensure the pan hits a hot surface immediately, which is crucial for achieving that desirable sear on the meat and crispiness on the potatoes.
Ingredients at a glance (5)
- 1 1/2 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup cowboy butter (butter, garlic, chili flakes)
- fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
Preparation and Arrangement
- Prepare the PanPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and even browning. Arrange the cubed sirloin steak and quartered baby potatoes in a single, even layer across the pan, ensuring they are not crowded so they roast properly rather than steaming.Look for Arrange the ingredients in a single layer without overcrowding the pan surface.Tip Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels before placing them on the pan to help them achieve a better sear.
At this stage, the pan should be filled with neatly arranged, uniform cubes of steak and potato quarters. The ingredients should be spread out in a single layer with enough space between them to allow heat to circulate properly. Everything should look clean and ready for the butter drizzle, with no overlapping pieces that might cause uneven cooking during the roasting phase.
Roasting and Glazing
- Season and BakeDrizzle the melted cowboy butter evenly over the steak and potatoes, ensuring everything is lightly coated. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, toss the ingredients gently with a spatula. Cook until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then remove from the oven and let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes.Look for The steak should be browned and tender, and the potatoes should be fork-tender with golden-brown edges.Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)Tip Use a high-quality salted butter for the cowboy butter to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
As the dish roasts, the kitchen should fill with the savory, garlicky aroma of the melting butter. The steak should begin to brown on the edges, and the potatoes should start to soften and turn golden.
The butter will pool at the bottom of the pan, creating a flavorful sauce that coats the ingredients. Check that the butter is not burning; if it seems to be darkening too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Garnish and Final Touch
- Garnish and ServeOnce the meat has rested, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley and additional red pepper flakes over the hot steak and potatoes. Serve immediately while the butter is still warm and aromatic.Look for The steak bites are deep brown outside, and the potatoes are crisp and golden with a fragrant, garlicky butter aroma.Tip Do not skip the resting time, as this ensures the steak remains juicy and tender when sliced or eaten.
The final product should feature deeply browned, tender steak bites and perfectly roasted, golden potatoes. The cowboy butter should have created a glossy finish over the entire pan. Once the fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes are added, the dish should look vibrant and fresh. Ensure the steak has rested for at least 3 minutes before serving to maintain its juiciness and optimal texture.
Common mistakes
Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan, as this causes the ingredients to steam rather than roast, preventing the steak from browning properly and leaving the potatoes soggy. Another common mistake is cutting the steak or potatoes into uneven sizes, which leads to some pieces being overcooked while others remain raw.
Finally, failing to let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes after removing it from the oven will result in a loss of juices, making the steak bites feel drier when served.
How to tell it’s done
The steak bites are considered done when they reach a medium-rare to medium internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this stage, the exterior should be deep brown and caramelized, while the interior remains tender and juicy.
The potatoes should be fork-tender, meaning a fork slides into the center with no resistance, and they should display a golden-brown crust. Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of steak to check for safety and quality.
- Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest
Up next · Part 3 of 3
2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card
Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)