Garlic Butter Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Salad

Garlic Butter Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Salad: A Hearty, Flavorful Feast

There are few meals as comforting and satisfying as a hearty dinner that combines rich, savory flavors with a variety of textures. Garlic Butter Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Salad is one such meal that offers the perfect balance of indulgence, nutrition, and flavor. This recipe takes three beloved components – juicy steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and refreshing pasta salad – and brings them together in a memorable, all-in-one meal that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, this dish delivers everything you crave: tender steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and a light, zesty side salad. Here’s why this meal is a crowd-pleaser and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Salad:

Savory & Satisfying: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the garlic butter steak – juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The steak is coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that gives it a rich and savory finish. Pair that with creamy mashed potatoes and a refreshing pasta salad, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food.
Perfectly Balanced: This meal offers a wonderful balance of hearty and light. The loaded mashed potatoes provide the creamy, comforting base, while the pasta salad adds a fresh, tangy contrast. Together, they create a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday meal, or a weekend cookout, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. It’s the kind of meal that can be served as an everyday comfort food or a special treat for a celebration.
Easy to Prepare: Although the meal sounds fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Steak:

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (or your favorite cut)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta Salad:

2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Italian dressing (or a vinaigrette of your choice)
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Loaded Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Salad

1. Start with the Garlic Butter Steak:

Prep the Steak: Pat your steaks dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Adjust cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). Let the butter melt and bubble, then spoon the garlic butter sauce over the steaks for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will infuse the steak with rich, garlicky flavor. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Prepare the Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

Cook the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. If you’d like extra creamy potatoes, add more butter or milk to taste.
Add the Toppings: Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some extra cheddar on top and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt.

3. Make the Pasta Salad:

Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with Italian dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh pop of flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Assemble and Serve:

Plate the Dish: Arrange the garlic butter steak on each plate. Add a generous portion of the loaded mashed potatoes next to the steak. Finally, serve a side of pasta salad to complete the meal. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs for added flair.

Why This Meal Works So Well Together

Rich and Savory Meets Fresh and Zesty: The garlic butter steak brings a rich, savory element that pairs beautifully with the light and tangy pasta salad. The loaded mashed potatoes offer a creamy, indulgent texture that complements the other two elements perfectly.
A Complete Meal: With the combination of protein from the steak, carbs from the potatoes and pasta, and vegetables from the salad, this meal provides everything you need in a satisfying, well-rounded dinner. It’s filling without being overwhelming.
Great for Entertaining: This dish looks impressive and has all the flavors people love. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or making a meal that feels special. The individual components also allow for flexibility—each part can be adjusted based on dietary needs or preferences.

Tips for Perfecting This Meal

Rest the Steak: After cooking the steak, always let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the pasta salad in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop. The loaded mashed potatoes can also be made ahead of time, then reheated in the oven or microwave.
Use Your Favorite Steak Cut: While ribeye or sirloin works perfectly for this recipe, feel free to use your favorite cut of steak, such as New York strip, filet mignon, or T-bone.
Customize the Salad: If you prefer a different flavor prof

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