Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake

Let me tell you, weeknight dinners in our house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Balancing healthy, delicious, and quick can be a real challenge. That’s why discovering the Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake felt like striking gold. From the moment the garlicky aroma filled the kitchen, I knew this was going to be a hit. And boy, was I right! Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes vegetables with suspicion, devoured his portion, proclaiming it “the best steak ever!” The tender steak, perfectly cooked veggies, and that rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce – it’s a combination that’s simply irresistible. Cleanup is a breeze too, thanks to the sheet pan method. Honestly, this recipe has become a staple in our rotation, and I’m so excited to share it with you so you can experience the deliciousness and ease of the Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake for yourself. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner game!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Steak (Sirloin, Ribeye, or New York Strip): Choose your favorite cut, about 1-inch thick for even cooking and tender results.
• 1 lb Assorted Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Onions, Zucchini, Broccoli): A colorful mix of your preferred veggies, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: The base of our rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, adding richness and a beautiful golden color.
• 6 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced finely to infuse the butter with its pungent and aromatic flavor.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy and herbaceous note that complements the steak and vegetables perfectly.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary: Another aromatic herb, rosemary provides a piney and robust flavor that enhances the savory profile.
• 1 tsp Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a touch of color to the dish.
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat to balance the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat your steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear and better browning.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the flavors infuse as the butter melts. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
3. Toss Veggies and Steak: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with about half of the garlic butter sauce. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated. In a separate bowl, or directly on the baking sheet, drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the steak, ensuring all sides are coated. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Place the steak in the center of the baking sheet, amongst the vegetables. This allows the steak juices to mingle with the vegetables, adding even more flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare steak, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steak. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak for accuracy. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C), for medium 135-140°F (57-60°C), and for medium-well 140-145°F (60-63°C). The vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Garnish the entire bake with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-750 kcal (This can vary depending on the type of steak, vegetables, and serving size).

• Protein: 45-55g (Essential for muscle building and repair, contributing to satiety and overall body function. Steak is a rich source of high-quality protein.)
• Fat: 40-50g (Includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from butter and steak. Fats are important for energy, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. This recipe uses butter for flavor, but moderation is key.)
• Vitamin C: High (Bell peppers and broccoli are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.)

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes washing and chopping vegetables, preparing the garlic butter sauce, and prepping the steak. Efficient chopping and organization can help speed up prep time.)

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (Baking time depends on the desired doneness of the steak and the tenderness of the vegetables. Oven temperatures can also vary, so monitoring the cooking process is important.)

Total Time: 40-45 minutes (From start to finish, this recipe is a relatively quick and easy weeknight meal. Perfect for busy schedules when you still want a healthy and flavorful dinner.)

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and classic side that soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a grain-based side that complements the flavors and textures of the bake.
  • Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread or baguette to sop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce from the pan.
• Fresh and Light Companions:
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
  • Lemon Wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished bake to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
  • Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add healthy fats and a smooth texture that complements the steak and vegetables.
• Wine Pairing Suggestions:
  • Medium-bodied Red Wine: Pair with a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a classic steak and red wine combination.
  • Rosé Wine: A dry rosé offers a lighter and fruitier option that pairs well with both the steak and vegetables.
  • Crisp White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the garlic butter.

Additional Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Veggie & Steak Bake

Choose the Right Steak Cut

When it comes to selecting the ideal steak cut for your recipe, options such as sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are excellent choices due to their tenderness and ability to cook quickly. Each of these cuts has its unique characteristics that can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Sirloin is a lean cut that, while slightly less tender than ribeye, offers a robust flavor profile that can be enhanced through seasoning and cooking techniques. It is versatile and can be grilled, broiled, or baked, making it a popular choice.
• Ribeye is known for its marbling, which provides a rich, buttery flavor and ensures that the steak remains juicy during cooking. This cut is particularly forgiving if slightly overcooked, as the fat helps keep it moist.
• New York Strip strikes a balance between tenderness and flavor, with a good amount of marbling that makes it juicy but not as fatty as ribeye. This cut is also ideal for high-heat cooking methods.

Thickness Matters: It’s essential to consider the thickness of your steak when determining cooking times. Thicker steaks, typically over 1.5 inches, will require longer cooking times to achieve the desired doneness. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure you reach the perfect internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet

One of the most critical steps in achieving perfectly roasted steak and vegetables is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. When ingredients are packed too closely together, they are more likely to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy vegetables and unevenly cooked steak.

Single Layer is Key: Spread the vegetables and steak in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate freely around each piece. This promotes even cooking and enhances the caramelization process, which is essential for developing rich flavors. If you find that you have too many ingredients for one baking sheet, don’t hesitate to use two. Just remember to rotate them halfway through cooking for uniform results.

Preheat the Baking Sheet (Optional)

For an added level of crispiness, consider preheating your baking sheet in the oven while it warms up. This technique is particularly effective for vegetables, as placing them on a hot surface will jumpstart the browning process and promote caramelization.

How to Preheat: Place the empty baking sheet in the oven when you turn it on, allowing it to heat up to the same temperature as your cooking environment, ideally around 425°F to 450°F. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the hot baking sheet (use oven mitts!) and immediately add your vegetables, taking care to spread them out evenly.

Cut Vegetables Evenly

Uniformity in the size of your vegetable pieces is crucial for even cooking. If some pieces are larger than others, they will require different cooking times, leading to a mix of undercooked and overcooked vegetables.

Best Practices for Cutting: Aim for roughly equal-sized pieces—about 1-inch chunks are a good standard. This allows for a tender-crisp texture that complements the steak. Additionally, consider the cooking time for each type of vegetable; heartier vegetables like carrots may need to be cut smaller than softer ones like bell peppers.

Adjust Garlic Butter to Taste

The garlic butter sauce can elevate your steak and vegetable dish, but it should reflect your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with the proportions of garlic, herbs, and spices.

• Garlic Lovers: If you enjoy a strong garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two, and consider using roasted garlic for a sweeter, nuttier taste.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the garlic butter; however, if you’re looking for a milder flavor, reduce the amount or opt for dried herbs, which tend to have a more concentrated flavor.

Marinate the Steak (Optional)

Marinating the steak can significantly enhance its flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade consisting of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs can work wonders.

Marination Tips: Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator can yield even better results. Just be cautious with acidic ingredients like vinegar; too long can lead to a mushy texture.

Broil for Extra Browning (Optional)

If you desire an extra layer of browning and flavor, consider broiling the steak and vegetables for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This high-heat method can create a delightful crust.

Watch Closely: It’s crucial to keep a watchful eye during this step, as broiling can quickly turn from perfectly browned to burnt, especially with garlic, which can become bitter if overcooked.

Rest the Steak Properly

Resting your steak after cooking is an essential step that should not be overlooked. This process allows the juices, which have been driven to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute throughout the steak.

How to Rest: After removing the steak from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board or plate, loosely covered with foil to keep it warm. This short resting period will result in a tender, juicy steak that is far more enjoyable to eat. Cutting into the steak too soon can result in lost juices, leaving you with a dry piece of meat. By following these guidelines, you ensure that each bite is flavorful and succulent.

By paying attention to these details, you can elevate your steak and vegetable dish from ordinary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but it’s best to thaw them slightly and pat them dry before roasting. Frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture, which can prevent them from browning as well. Roasting for a bit longer might be needed to achieve tender-crisp results.

Q2: What other vegetables can I use?
A2: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable selection! Other great options include: carrots, potatoes (cut into small cubes), asparagus, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Choose vegetables that roast well and complement the flavors of garlic and butter.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables and prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. However, it’s recommended to cook the steak and vegetables just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q4: How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
A4: The best way to determine steak doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone. Refer to the temperature guidelines in the “Instructions” section for different levels of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, etc.).

Q5: Can I use a different type of butter?
A5: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. You can use salted butter, but you may need to reduce the amount of added salt. For a richer flavor, you can use European-style butter. Avoid using margarine as it lacks the flavor and richness of real butter.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A6: While not traditional, you can certainly add cheese to this recipe. Sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables during the last few minutes of baking can add a delicious cheesy flavor. Other cheese options include mozzarella or provolone.

Q7: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A7: If you don’t have fresh thyme and rosemary, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated in flavor, so use slightly less than fresh.

Q8: Can I cook this on the grill instead of baking?
A8: Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for the grill! Grill the steak to your desired doneness. You can grill the vegetables in a grill basket or on a sheet of foil with holes poked in it. Alternatively, you can skewer the vegetables for grilling. Brush both the steak and vegetables with the garlic butter sauce during grilling for maximum flavor.

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