Garlic steak cubes and potato foil packets are a weeknight-friendly take on the classic steak-and-potatoes combination that shows up in various forms across American cookouts and campfire meals. Traditionally, foil packet dinners became popular in the mid-20th century alongside backyard grilling and camping culture—everything tucked into a tidy little bundle, cooked together, and eaten hot from the foil.
This oven-baked version keeps that spirit but makes it accessible year-round, no grill required. You get juicy, garlicky steak bites, tender halved yellow potatoes, and plenty of buttery juices—all in one pan, with minimal cleanup. It’s a great option when you want something hearty and comforting, but don’t feel like juggling multiple pots and pans.
These foil packets are quite complete on their own, but a few simple sides can round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the butter and steak. Steamed or roasted green vegetables—like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus—also pair well and add color to the plate. If you’d like a little extra indulgence, warm crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the garlicky juices from the packets. For a lighter touch, serve with sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumbers dressed with olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt.
Garlic Steak Cubes and Yellow Potato Foil Packets (Oven-Baked)
Servings: 4 servings
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup. Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12–14 inches long. Lightly spray or brush the center of each sheet with oil to help prevent sticking.
Prep the potatoes: Rinse the yellow potatoes and pat them dry. Halve them (or quarter if they’re on the larger side) so they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the minced garlic (about 2 cloves). Set aside.
Season the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better and keeps excess moisture out of the packets. In another bowl, combine the steak cubes with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder (if using), and the remaining minced garlic. Toss until the steak is evenly coated with the spices and garlic.
Assemble the foil packets: Divide the seasoned potatoes evenly among the 4 foil sheets, placing them in the center of each. Top each pile of potatoes with an even portion of the seasoned steak cubes. Dot the tops of the steak and potatoes with the butter pieces, dividing the butter roughly equally among the packets. If using lemon juice, drizzle a little over each packet.
Seal the packets: Bring the long sides of each foil piece up over the steak and potatoes and fold them together tightly to seal. Then fold up the short ends, crimping well so the steam stays inside. You want a bit of air space inside each packet so the contents can steam and roast rather than being smashed flat.
Bake: Arrange the foil packets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak and how large your potato pieces are. At about 20 minutes, carefully open one packet (watch for hot steam) and test a potato with a fork; it should be tender. The steak cubes should be just cooked through or slightly pink in the center for medium.
Optional quick broil: If you’d like a bit more browning on the steak and potatoes, carefully open the tops of the packets and place the baking sheet back in the oven. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely so the garlic and edges of the foil don’t burn.
Finish and serve: Remove the packets from the oven and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. Carefully open each packet (the steam will be hot). Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a squeeze of extra lemon if desired. Serve the packets directly on plates or transfer the contents to shallow bowls, spooning over any buttery garlic juices from the foil.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly different flavor profile, you can swap the sirloin for another quick-cooking cut like ribeye or New York strip, trimming excess fat and still cutting into 1-inch cubes. If you prefer chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work better than breasts, as they stay juicier; just cut them into chunks and increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes, checking that they’re cooked through.
For a more herb-forward version, replace the Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs tucked into each packet. You can also add vegetables directly to the packets: green beans, bell peppers, or quartered mushrooms hold up well and cook in roughly the same time as the potatoes (just don’t overpack the foil or you’ll end up steaming rather than roasting). If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the steak seasoning.
For a lighter version, reduce the butter and use more olive oil, then finish with a generous squeeze of lemon and extra fresh herbs to keep things bright. Finally, if you’re cooking for a crowd, assemble the packets in advance, refrigerate them for a few hours, and bake just before serving; allow a couple of extra minutes in the oven to account for the chill from the fridge.