Steak Bites With Sweet Potatoes
Introduction
These juicy steak bites with roasted sweet potatoes are a cozy, all-in-one dinner that feels a little bit steakhouse special.
Every bite is packed with smoky paprika, zesty lime, and savory seasoning, all balanced by caramelized, slightly sweet potatoes.
It is an easy weeknight meal that also works beautifully for casual entertaining, date night at home, or Sunday meal prep.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Steak Bites
Ingredients for the Sweet Potatoes
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How to Make Steak Bites With Sweet Potatoes
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Preheat the oven and prepare pans
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
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Season the sweet potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to a large bowl for easy tossing.
Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle on paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until every cube is coated and the spices look evenly distributed.
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Roast the sweet potatoes
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and fork tender at the edges.
Keep them in the oven on low heat if the steak needs a few extra minutes.
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Season the steak bites
While the sweet potatoes roast, place the sirloin cubes in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, paprika, beef bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
Toss well until the beef is glossy and the seasonings form a light paste on the cubes.
Let the steak marinate at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes while you finish the potatoes.
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Sear the steak bites
Heat a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat until very hot.
Add a thin film of oil if the pan looks dry, then add the steak in a single layer.
Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust on the first side.
Flip the steak bites and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, or until they reach your preferred doneness.
Work in batches if needed so the pan is not crowded and the beef can sear, not steam.
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Rest and combine
Transfer the cooked steak bites to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to stay juicy.
Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet with any browned bits, then return the steak bites.
Gently toss over low heat for a minute so the flavors mingle and everything warms through.
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Serve
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice, then serve hot straight from the skillet.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like a fresh pop of color.
Substitutions
- Sirloin -> ribeye or New York strip
- Ribeye or strip steak has more marbling, which gives juicier bites and a richer beefy flavor. Cut off thick fat caps so the pieces still sear evenly in the skillet.
- Sweet potatoes -> butternut squash cubes
- Butternut squash brings the same cozy orange color with a slightly sweeter, nutty flavor. Roast the cubes the same way, checking a few minutes early for tenderness.
- Olive oil -> avocado oil or ghee
- Avocado oil or ghee handles higher heat, which is great for deep browning without smoking. Ghee also adds a buttery, slightly nutty flavor that matches the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Tips
- Use very hot cast iron
- Cast iron holds heat well and gives the steak bites their best crust. Let the pan preheat for several minutes before adding the meat.
- Cut everything the same size
- Aim for 1-inch steak cubes and similar-size sweet potato pieces for even cooking. Smaller pieces can overcook and dry out before the rest are tender.
- Do not move the steak too soon
- Resist stirring during the first sear, or the meat will steam instead of browning. Once it releases easily from the pan, the crust is ready.
- Balance the salt from bouillon
- Beef bouillon can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt at the end. If it tastes too salty, add a squeeze of lime or serve with plain rice.
- Turn leftovers into breakfast hash
- Chop leftover steak bites and sweet potatoes, then crisp them in a skillet the next morning. Top with fried or scrambled eggs for a hearty meal-prep-friendly breakfast.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 412 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 40 | g |
| Total Fat | 17 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why are my steak bites coming out tough or chewy?
- Tough steak usually means it was cooked too long or started very cold. Let the beef sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. Aim for medium or medium-rare and let the pieces rest before serving.
- Can I use frozen sweet potatoes or frozen steak?
- You can, but thaw and pat them very dry first for good browning. Frozen sweet potatoes roast faster, so start checking around 15 minutes. Frozen steak bites tend to steam, so fresh meat gives a better crust.
- How do I know when the steak bites are done without cutting them open?
- Press a piece with tongs; medium feels springy but still soft in the center. You can also use an instant-read thermometer and pull them around 130°F to 135°F. They will rise a few degrees while resting.
- Can I cook the steak bites in the oven instead of on the stove?
- You can roast them on a very hot sheet pan, but they will not brown as deeply. Broil at the end for a few minutes to add more color. Keep a close eye so they do not overcook under the broiler.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Cool leftovers, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of oil so the potatoes crisp again. Microwaving works, but the steak will cook further and lose some juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet of steak bites and sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.
For extra richness, drizzle with garlicky herb butter right before serving to amplify the savory pan flavors.
Leftovers make an amazing next-day bowl with avocado, hot sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
More pairings:
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