Craving a delicious and satisfying meal but dreading the cleanup? These Foil Packet Steak Bites & Potatoes are your answer! Tender, juicy steak and perfectly cooked potatoes, all seasoned to perfection and cooked in a convenient foil packet. Say goodbye to dry steak and hello to a flavorful, easy dinner that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Foil Packet Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons:
- Effortless Cleanup: The foil packets contain everything, making washing dishes a breeze.
- Juicy Steak Every Time: The secret steaming method ensures your steak bites are incredibly tender and never dry.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the seasonings and vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Minimal prep time and hands-off cooking make this ideal for a quick and easy meal.
- Great for Camping: Prepare the packets ahead of time and cook them over a campfire for a delicious outdoor meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Foil Packet Steak Bites
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering steak bites. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying dish. We’re aiming for a savory profile with a hint of herbaceousness that complements the richness of the steak. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, but this base is a fantastic starting point.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak: The star of the show! Sirloin is a great choice because it’s relatively lean yet still boasts fantastic flavor. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking in the foil packets. While sirloin is excellent, you could also use other cuts like ribeye or New York strip, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 1 pound Small Yellow Potatoes: These add a hearty and comforting element to the dish. Halve them so they cook evenly alongside the steak bites. Yukon gold potatoes are another great option, offering a slightly buttery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: This helps to coat the steak and potatoes, ensuring they’re beautifully seasoned and don’t stick to the foil. Extra virgin olive oil adds a richer flavor, but regular olive oil works just fine.
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a must-have for adding depth and aroma. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Parsley adds a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the dish. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley (about 1 teaspoon).
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the steak and potatoes perfectly. Fresh thyme is also delicious, use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Aluminum Foil: You’ll need four 12×12-inch squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create the packets.
- Water or Beef Broth: This is our secret ingredient! Adding just a tablespoon of water or beef broth to each packet creates steam, preventing the steak from drying out and keeping everything juicy.
Crafting Your Foil Packet Steak Bites: Step-by-Step
Ready to make some incredible foil packet steak bites? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. The key to success with this recipe is ensuring that the foil packets are sealed tightly to trap the steam, and adding that little bit of water or broth – it’s a game-changer!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven to the right temperature is crucial for even cooking. This ensures the potatoes become tender and the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Cut four 12×12-inch squares of aluminum foil. Using the correct size foil ensures you have enough room to properly seal the packets. Opt for heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing during cooking.
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl. In a large bowl, add the steak cubes, halved potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the steak and potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is key to infusing every bite with flavor!
- Divide the mixture evenly among the foil squares. Distribute the steak and potato mixture equally onto each of the four aluminum foil squares. Try to create a single layer for even cooking within each packet.
- Add the secret ingredient: water or beef broth! Before sealing, add 1 tablespoon of water or beef broth to each packet. This is what creates the steam that keeps the steak juicy and tender. Beef broth will add a slightly richer flavor, but water works perfectly fine.
- Seal the foil packets tightly. Fold the foil over the mixture, creating a tight seal by folding the edges over each other several times. Ensure there are no gaps or openings to prevent steam from escaping during cooking. A proper seal is essential for the steaming process.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet. Arrange the foil packets on a baking sheet to prevent any potential leaks from dripping onto the bottom of your oven. It also makes it easier to transfer the packets in and out of the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake the foil packets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak cubes and the size of the potato halves.
- Carefully open and serve. Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets, being mindful of the escaping steam. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Foil Packet Steak Bites Every Time
Want to ensure your foil packet steak bites are a home run every single time? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Packets: Ensure the steak and potatoes are arranged in a single layer within each packet for even cooking.
- Seal Tightly: A proper seal is crucial for trapping the steam that keeps the steak juicy. Double-check the edges before baking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium, and 140-145°F for medium-well.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor.
- Add Veggies: Other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added to the foil packets for a more complete meal. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes so they cook evenly.
What to Serve With Foil Packet Steak Bites
While these foil packet steak bites are delicious on their own, they can be even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- A Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad, like our creamy cauliflower broccoli salad, provides a nice contrast to the richness of the steak and potatoes.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, adds extra nutrients and flavor.
Your Foil Packet Steak Bites Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use other cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the steak.
Can I add other vegetables to the foil packets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini to the foil packets. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes so they cook evenly. Explore new ideas, such as a flavorful savory stuffed bell peppers.
Can I prepare the foil packets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Just be sure to add the water or beef broth right before baking.
How do I store leftover steak bites?
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Enjoy Your Homemade Foil Packet Steak Bites!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for juicy and delicious foil packet steak bites that’s perfect for busy weeknights, camping trips, or any time you’re craving a simple and satisfying meal. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy some incredible steak bites! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how yours turned out! We love hearing from you.
Foil Packet Steak Bites & Potatoes (No More Dry Meat!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound small yellow potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut four 12×12-inch squares of aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes, halved potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Divide the steak and potato mixture evenly among the four aluminum foil squares.
- **The Key to Juicy Steak:** Instead of just folding the foil over, add 1 tablespoon of water or beef broth to each packet *before* sealing. This creates steam inside the packet, preventing the meat from drying out.
- Fold the foil over the mixture, creating a tight seal by folding the edges over each other several times.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Carefully open the foil packets (steam will escape!) and serve immediately.
