Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared steak coated in cracked peppercorns served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes topped with fresh herb butter. This american-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs (8 oz each) ribeye steaks, cracked black peppercorns, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 ribeye steaks on a plate and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and press 2 tbsp cracked black peppercorns evenly over each steak's surface.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steaks and sear for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, spooning 1 tbsp unsalted butter over steaks during the last minute.
  3. Step 3: Remove steaks from skillet, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, place 1 lb peeled and diced russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives into the mashed potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Step 7: Serve steaks topped with remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter and garlic mashed potatoes alongside.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (8 oz each) ribeye steaks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Peppercorn Steak with Herb Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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