This Cowboy Butter Steak is my idea of the ultimate comfort dinner. Juicy steak tips, buttery smashed potatoes, and a spicy cowboy butter make every bite unforgettable.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cowboy Butter Steak is hands down one of the most mouthwatering meals I’ve ever made. It’s bold, buttery, and downright irresistible. Here’s why you’ll be hooked from the first bite:
- Rich, Spicy Cowboy Butter: Melted butter infused with garlic, paprika, Worcestershire, mustard, and a hint of heat gets drizzled over everything.
- Perfectly Seared Steak Tips: Tender chunks of sirloin or tenderloin sear up with a golden crust and juicy medium-rare center. They’re as satisfying and simple as my Flank Steak with Olive and Tomato Salad.
- Creamy Smashed Potatoes: Fluffy Yukon golds mashed with butter and cream soak up all the cowboy butter, just like the decadent sides in my Crispy Cheesy Idaho Potato Cakes.
- Fresh Tomato Burrata Salad: Juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata cut through the richness for a bright, fresh contrast, the same way I use citrus in my Sundried Tomato Hummus.
- A Showstopper Feast: This is the kind of meal that feels straight off a steakhouse menu but is easy enough for a casual weekend at home.
Ingredients
- Tenderloin or Sirloin Steak – Cut into chunks for quick cooking, this tender, flavorful beef sears beautifully and stays juicy inside.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Naturally creamy with a buttery texture, they make rich, fluffy mashed potatoes that hold up well to the cowboy butter.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they bring a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the steak and butter.
- Burrata – Soft and creamy, it melts slightly into the tomatoes, adding a luxurious, mild cheese layer to balance the savory elements.
- Butter (for cowboy butter) – Forms the decadent base for the sauce, soaking up spices, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire to create a rich, flavorful drizzle.
- Garlic, Green Onions, Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes – These build layers of spice, warmth, and a bit of kick that transform the melted butter into a bold sauce.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Tenderloin or Sirloin Steak – Cut into chunks for quick cooking, this tender, flavorful beef sears beautifully and stays juicy inside.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Naturally creamy with a buttery texture, they make rich, fluffy mashed potatoes that hold up well to the cowboy butter.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they bring a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the steak and butter.
- Burrata – Soft and creamy, it melts slightly into the tomatoes, adding a luxurious, mild cheese layer to balance the savory elements.
- Butter (for cowboy butter) – Forms the decadent base for the sauce, soaking up spices, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire to create a rich, flavorful drizzle.
- Garlic, Green Onions, Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes – These build layers of spice, warmth, and a bit of kick that transform the melted butter into a bold sauce.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Steak Choices: Tenderloin and sirloin are both excellent, but ribeye or New York strip can also be used. Cut them into chunks and adjust the cook time so they stay tender.
- Cheese Options: Burrata is creamy and rich, but fresh mozzarella or small mozzarella pearls are good substitutes and a little easier to find.
- Herb Butter Additions: Mix in chopped parsley or chives to the cowboy butter for extra freshness. A little lemon juice also adds bright flavor.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Steak
Sides
- This Cowboy Butter Steak is a meal in itself, especially when served on the side with our cherry tomato burrata side salad and smashed potatoes. But you can also serve it with these Mashed Idaho Potatoes.
- It’s also delicious with this Tex-Mex Loaded Sweet Potatoes that really rounds up the meal and makes it even more satisfying!
Cocktails
- This dish is perfect for entertaining and we love serving it with some refreshing cocktails. Try it with this Pineapple Cilantro Lime Margaritas.
- You’ll also love it with our Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas for a delicious summer treat.
FAQs
What exactly is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a warm, seasoned butter sauce packed with garlic, spices, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. It’s rich, slightly spicy, and full of bold flavor that’s perfect for pouring over steak, potatoes, and even fresh salads.
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of tenderloin or sirloin?
Yes, you can. Ribeye or strip steak cut into chunks also works well. Just make sure to choose a cut that stays tender when cooked quickly so you get that juicy, medium-rare center.
Do I have to serve this with all three components?
Not at all. Each part is delicious on its own. The smashed potatoes and cowboy butter are amazing with just the steak, or you could pair the steak and butter with a simple green salad if you want something lighter.
How spicy is cowboy butter?
It has a gentle heat from the paprika, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. If you want more kick, you can add extra red pepper flakes. If you prefer it mild, reduce them or leave them out entirely.
How do I store leftovers of this meal?
Store the steak, potatoes, and tomato salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra cowboy butter in a jar and rewarm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Not seeing your question here? Ask in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer!
More Steak Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Hanger Steaks & Fries – These Hanger Steaks & Fries are my favorite way to enjoy a bistro-style dinner at home with perfectly seared steak and crispy fries.
- Chipotle Skirt Steak Tacos – These Chipotle Skirt Steak Tacos are my go-to when I’m craving something smoky, spicy, and loaded with fresh toppings.
- Flap Steak and Asparagus – This Flap Steak and Asparagus is my top pick for a quick, vibrant meal that pairs juicy grilled steak with tender, charred asparagus.
- Steak and Bacon Pot Pie – This Steak and Bacon Pot Pie is my favorite cozy dinner, packed with hearty chunks of beef, crispy bacon, and a golden, flaky crust.
Purchase Books by Danielle Kartes of Rustic Joyful Food from these booksellers:
Cowboy Butter Steak
This Cowboy Butter Steak is my idea of the ultimate comfort dinner. Juicy steak tips, buttery smashed potatoes, and a spicy cowboy butter make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
Smashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steak Tips
- 1 1/2 pounds tenderloin or sirloin cut into 2-inch chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cherry Tomato & Burrata Salad
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 8 ounces burrata roughly 4 individual balls, or substitute fresh mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cowboy Butter
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
- 1 bunch green onions diced (reserve 2-3 tablespoons for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown or dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a large pot, cover chopped potatoes with water by 1 inch, then bring to a boil until fork tender.3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and season steak tips with salt and pepper. Melt butter in the skillet, then add olive oil. Brown meat on all sides, roughly 5 minutes total for medium rare. Set aside.1 1/2 pounds tenderloin or sirloin, Salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Assemble the tomato burrata salad. Place sliced tomatoes in a bowl, then gently tear the burrata in half and add to the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.2 cups cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces burrata, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- By the time you’ve finished with the steak and salad, the potatoes should be tender. Drain. Using a handheld potato smasher, smash potatoes with butter and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup salted butter, Salt and pepper
- Finally, to make the cowboy butter, in a small saucepan melt butter until foamy and add all ingredients, saving mustard for last. As butter cools slightly it will begin to thicken a touch and emulsify. Serve very warm and pour over the steak and hot potatoes. Drizzle butter over the tomato salad as well—it’s incredible! Enjoy!1 cup salted butter, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3 cloves finely chopped garlic, 1 bunch green onions, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown or dijon mustard, Salt to taste
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Notes
- Let your steak tips come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps them sear evenly and stay tender inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the steak. Give each piece space so it gets a proper crust instead of steaming.
- Smash the potatoes while they’re still hot. This makes it easier to blend in the butter and cream, giving you rich, fluffy potatoes.
- Make sure your cowboy butter is very warm when you pour it over the steak and potatoes. This way it soaks into every nook and makes each bite extra flavorful.
- For the salad, gently tear the burrata instead of slicing it. This keeps the creamy center intact and makes the dish look rustic and inviting.
- Save a little of the diced green onion to sprinkle on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite.