If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy bite-sized sirloin steaks with crispy baby potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter and savory herbs. The beauty of this recipe is not just in its incredible flavors but in how it effortlessly brings friends and family together, whether cooked on the grill, over a campfire, or baked in the oven. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is truly simple to make, turning any mealtime into a celebration of bold taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor. Each element plays a vital role, from the hearty baby potatoes providing a satisfying texture to the fresh parsley adding a bright, herbaceous note that balances the rich garlic butter. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ lbs top sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose good quality steak for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Small potatoes cook quickly and develop a lovely crisp edge when grilled.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the ingredients and keeps everything deliciously moist.
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Freshness and color that brighten the final dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The soul of this recipe, bringing a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements both steak and potatoes perfectly.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 4 tbsp butter, cubed: Melts into the packets, creating that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Par-boil the Potatoes
Start by giving the baby potatoes a quick head start in boiling salted water for about five minutes. This step softens them just enough so they cook perfectly inside the foil packets without losing their shape. After draining, allow them to cool, making sure they’re ready to soak up all the juicy flavors ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
While the potatoes cool, cut your sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces. For an extra flavor boost, toss the steak in a little olive oil, garlic, and seasoning—this subtle marinade not only tenderizes the meat but layers it with savory goodness that makes each bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring everything together. Toss the par-boiled potatoes, steak, thinly sliced onion, olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until each piece is well coated. This ensures every forkful bursts with flavor from start to finish.
Step 4: Assemble Foil Packets
Lay out four large squares of aluminum foil—each about 12 by 12 inches. Divide the steak and potato mixture evenly, placing a generous mound in the center of each foil piece. Top each with cubed butter, which will melt into a rich, garlicky sauce during cooking. This step is where the magic truly starts.
Step 5: Seal the Packets
Fold the long edges of the foil over the mixture, then securely fold the shorter edges to create tight, leak-proof packets. The goal is to trap all the steam and flavors inside so everything cooks perfectly tender and juicy.
Step 6: Cook the Packets
You have options here! For a smoky, charred touch, cook your foil packets over medium-high heat on the grill or campfire for about 8 to 10 minutes per side. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the packets for 20 minutes. If you like a bit of crispiness, open the foil carefully and broil the packets for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once cooked, open the foil packets with care—hot steam will rush out! Serve immediately, scooping out the tender steak and perfectly cooked potatoes with the garlic butter sauce pooling around them. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds that inviting pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra garlic butter cubes just before serving can elevate this dish from great to spectacular. These fresh, green garnishes bring a lovely contrast to the rich flavors and make your plate feel vibrant and alive.
Side Dishes
While this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can make your meal even more balanced and nutritious. For outdoor meals, consider a light coleslaw or grilled corn to complement the smoky richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these packets straight from the foil adds a fun, rustic element, perfect for casual dinners or camping trips. If you want a touch of elegance, transfer the contents onto warm plates, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the foil over the top, and garnish with a lemon wedge for a bright, zesty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover packets can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the steak and potatoes even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool the packets completely before storing to maintain food safety.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the packets but don’t cook them yet—wrap each individually and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed. This makes for a perfect quick dinner option on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover packets (or thawed frozen packets) in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, just making sure everything gets heated evenly and the butter melts all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak in this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye, flank, or even skirt steak. Just slice them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times as needed for the thickness and cut.
Is par-boiling the potatoes necessary?
Par-boiling helps ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender inside the foil packets. If you skip this step, your potatoes might be undercooked or take longer to cook, so it’s highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap out the steak for hearty mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. Keep the garlic butter and seasonings to maintain that rich flavor profile.
How do I prevent the foil packets from leaking?
Make sure to press the edges firmly together and seal them tightly. Folding the foil edges twice can help create a stronger seal, trapping all juices inside. Using heavy-duty foil also reduces the risk of tearing.
What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?
Leftovers can be chopped up and used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, topped with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a tasty lunch or quick dinner pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe is truly a gem that brings ease, flavor, and a touch of adventure into any kitchen. Whether you’re grilling outside with friends or cooking inside on a cozy night, it’s a dish that feels like a special treat without demanding too much time or effort. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how the simple combination of garlic, butter, steak, and potatoes creates a meal that everyone will keep asking for again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets recipe offers a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender steak and perfectly cooked baby potatoes infused with garlic butter and herbs. Wrapped in foil and cooked either on the grill, campfire, or in the oven, these packets make for an easy, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak and Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs top sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter, cubed
Instructions
- Par-boil the potatoes (optional): Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and let cool for 10 minutes to ensure they are partially cooked before assembling the packets.
- Prepare the steak: Cut steak into bite-sized pieces. For enhanced flavor, you may marinate the steak with olive oil, minced garlic, and seasonings before mixing.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the par-boiled potatoes, steak pieces, thinly sliced onion, olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble foil packets: Lay out 4 pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12×12 inches. Divide the steak and potato mixture evenly among the foil sheets, placing the portions in the center. Top each portion with cubed butter.
- Seal the packets: Fold the long edges of each foil piece over the mixture, then fold the shorter edges tightly to create a secure, sealed packet that will trap steam and flavors during cooking.
- Cook the packets: For grilling or campfire cooking, place packets over medium-high heat and cook for 8–10 minutes per side to allow steak and potatoes to cook through. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the foil packets for 20 minutes. For extra crispiness, carefully open the packets and broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam burns. Serve the garlic butter steak and potatoes warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes is optional but helps them cook faster and ensures they are tender inside.
- Marinating the steak beforehand adds extra flavor but is not necessary.
- You can cook these foil packets on a grill, campfire, or in the oven depending on your available equipment.
- Be cautious when opening foil packets after cooking as hot steam can escape.
- For a crispier texture, broil the packets after baking for a couple of minutes.
