01 -
First things first, let's get that steak ready for this hearty bake. Pat your steak dry with paper towels – this is super important for a good sear, trust me! Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Now, heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side for a nice crust. You want that beautiful brown color. I sometimes accidentally crowd the pan, but really, give those steaks some space to breathe!
02 -
While your steak is resting on a cutting board, don't clean that pan just yet! Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt down. Toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant – you’ll smell it, that warm, inviting aroma, oh my! Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing. I've had that happen, and it was a total oops moment, had to start over!
03 -
Okay, now for the potatoes in this cheesy bake! Slice your Yukon Golds thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. If you have a mandoline, this is its moment to shine; otherwise, a sharp knife and a steady hand work wonders. Arrange about half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your skillet, overlapping them slightly. Drizzle about a third of your melted garlic butter over them, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This layering is key for flavor throughout!
04 -
Slice your rested steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Now, scatter these tender steak pieces over the first layer of potatoes in the skillet. This is where the dish really starts to come together, visually! Sprinkle about half of your sharp cheddar cheese over the steak and potatoes. Then, follow up with another drizzle of that fantastic garlic butter. I always try to make sure every little piece gets some of that buttery goodness, because, why not?
05 -
Time for the final potato layer! Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes over the steak and cheese. Pour the remaining garlic butter over these top potatoes. Now, carefully pour the heavy cream over everything, letting it seep down into all those delicious layers. You might need to gently shake the pan a bit to help the cream distribute. Honestly, this is where it starts looking like a proper comforting casserole, all ready for the oven!
06 -
Pop your skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes. You'll want the potatoes to be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be beautifully golden and bubbly. If it's browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil. Once it’s done, pull it out, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. That resting time helps everything settle, and trust me, it's worth the wait for this delicious bake!