If you’re craving an easy yet utterly mouthwatering meal, the Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe is just what you need. This dish combines juicy, tender steak with perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs, wrapped up and cooked in foil for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking in the oven, these foil packets are a brilliant way to bring comforting, hearty flavors to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, aroma, and flavor that makes this Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
- 1 ½ pounds steak (sirloin preferred): Tender and flavorful, sirloin is your ideal steak choice for both texture and juiciness.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut into ½ inch pieces: The small size helps the potatoes cook quickly and soak up all the garlic butter goodness.
- 1 onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a subtle sharpness that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and taste.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or more): Garlic is the heart of this recipe, giving that irresistible savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed: Melts into a luscious sauce that ties the whole packet together.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Par-boil the Potatoes for Perfect Tenderness
Start by giving those baby potatoes a quick boil in salted water for about 5 minutes. This par-cooking step ensures they’ll be tender and fully cooked inside your foil packets, while still holding their shape beautifully. Once done, drain and let them cool just enough to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Pieces
Cut your steak into the perfect-sized pieces depending on how you like it cooked—smaller cuts for well done, larger chunks for that pink, juicy center. You can add a quick marinade here if you want a flavor boost, but the garlic butter combo is spectacular on its own.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the steak pieces, par-boiled potatoes, sliced onion, olive oil, fresh parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mix ensures every bite is seasoned evenly and bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out four squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each at least 12 by 12 inches. Divide the steak and potato mixture evenly between the foil sheets, then scatter the cubed butter on top. Fold the foil tightly over the contents to seal all those flavors in for cooking.
Step 5: Cook Your Foil Packets to Perfection
If you’re grilling, place the packets on a HOT grill and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked how you like it. For oven cooking, bake the packets at 425°F for about 20 minutes; then, for a little sear, you can open the packet and broil for 1-2 minutes. Just be super careful when opening the packets because the steam inside will be very hot and flavorful!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top right before serving brightens the dish and adds an inviting splash of color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the flavors beautifully, cutting through the richness of the butter.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to complement these foil packets. A light garlic bread or a vibrant slaw also works well to round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from your star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve each foil packet right at the table and let guests open their personal packets to enjoy the wafting aromas. Alternatively, gently transfer the contents onto a warm plate, layering steak and potatoes side by side, then drizzle the melted garlic butter from the foil over everything for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover foil packet contents can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to remove the food from the foil before storing to keep it tasting fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled, uncooked foil packets for up to 1 month. Wrap each packet tightly with an additional layer of plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F wrapped again in foil to retain moisture, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the potato texture and prevent the steak from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, cuts like ribeye or flank steak also work well. Just adjust cooking times depending on the thickness and desired doneness.
Is it necessary to par-boil the potatoes?
Par-boiling is highly recommended because baby potatoes can take longer to cook than the steak. This step ensures they are perfectly tender by the time the steak is ready, avoiding raw or hard potatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute steak with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers and follow similar steps with garlic butter and seasoning for a delicious meat-free meal.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
An oven or grill thermometer and occasional checking by opening one foil packet help the most. Cooking times can vary, so using a meat thermometer to check internal steak temperature will guide you to rare, medium, or well done.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the Italian seasoning with rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to make the dish your own without losing that signature garlic butter flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe is such a winner—simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends or family. Once you try it, you’ll see how effortless it is to get a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab your foil, your favorite steak, and let the magic happen!
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 simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a hearty steak dinner with tender potatoes and a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Perfect for grilling or oven baking, the foil packets lock in moisture and infuse the steak and potatoes with fresh herbs and spices for a delicious, fuss-free meal.
Ingredients
Steak and Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds steak (sirloin recommended)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut into ½ inch pieces (halved or quartered)
- 1 onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
- Par-boil the potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain immediately and transfer to a large bowl. Let them cool for about 10 minutes until easy to handle.
- Prepare the steak: Cut the steak into portions sized to your preference: 2.5–3 inches pieces for well done, 3–4 inches for medium, and 5 inches for rarer steak. You can marinate the steak if desired for additional flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the steak pieces, par-boiled potatoes, sliced onion, olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together until evenly coated.
- Assemble foil packets: Prepare four 12×12 inch pieces of aluminum foil. Divide the steak mixture evenly among the foil sheets, placing the ingredients in the center. Place the cubed butter on top of each portion, then fold and seal the foil packets tightly to lock in the flavors and moisture.
- Cook the foil packets: Grill method: Place packets on a hot grill and cook for 8–10 minutes per side, or until the potatoes are tender. Use an oven thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time as needed. When cooking over fire without a grill rack, place packets on a 2-inch bed of coal.
Oven method: Bake packets at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes or until done to your preference. For a charred finish, open the packets and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of cooking. - Serving: Carefully open the foil packets, watching out for hot steam and juices. Serve the steak and potatoes hot, spooning the garlic butter from the packet over the top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Using sirloin steak ensures a tender and flavorful result, but you can substitute with other steak cuts.
- Par-boiling potatoes before cooking helps ensure they cook thoroughly and quickly in the foil packets.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Seal foil packets tightly to keep moisture in and prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Use an oven thermometer to monitor internal temperature and cooking doneness accurately.
- Exercise caution when opening foil packets to avoid burns from hot steam.
