Having the best steak dinner ideas on hand for those special occasions and romantic date nights is a lifesaver. However, few people (except carnivores) would be happy with just a slab of steak on their plate. Here’s my list of faves.
Beef steak is one of my comfort foods that makes everything better, no matter what kind of day I’ve had. That said, what goes with it is just as important. The right spices can make or break a good steak recipe. And the sides can be just as satisfying.
Steak Seasonings and Sauces
1. Steak Seasoning
This easy rub is wonderful when I only have time to season the steak and throw it on the grill or cast-iron griddle. Garlic, onion, and paprika, with a touch of curry, are so yummy together.
2. Bearnaise Sauce
This classic French steak sauce is an absolute must-have in your recipe collection. This recipe is so fast and easy that you can make it while your steak rests.
3. Blackened Seasoning
Chef Paul Prudhomme invented this technique about 30 years ago with Cajun seasonings, butter, and intense heat. Searing burns the butter (not the steak), and so came into existence the correct way to blacken your steak, fish, or chicken.
4. Berbere Spice
These African spices make a superb all-purpose spice mix to have on hand for just about anything. Its name in Amharic means hot, and no self-respecting Ethiopian chef would be without it.
5. Jerk Seasoning
If you’re in the mood for a tropical flavor, this is the spice mix for you. The ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and hot pepper combine for an incredible flavor explosion.
The Best Steak Recipes
6. Pan-Seared Oven-Roasted Steak
Finishing off a thick steak in the oven is perfect for getting the right sear and doneness without burning. It doesn’t get any better than this.
7. Steak Tips
An economical, fast, and easy way to have your steak and enjoy it, too. The garlic sauce is what makes it soooo good. And they’re so cute; they’ll look great on a toothpick as an appetizer at your next party.
8. Smoked Beef Brisket
This pricey beef cut deserves to be treated with special respect. Smoking is the best way to do it justice. I love my pellet smoker because I set it and forget it for slow-cooking perfection. But slow cooking in the oven or a slow cooker will work.
9. Oven Tri-Tip Roast
Here are my two favorite ways to fix a tri-tip roast. Marinated it for at least an hour (the night before if possible) and slow-roast in the oven for a mouthwatering steak dinner. Or smoke it for extra flavor.
10. Smoked Tri-Tip
If you have a smoker, that’s the way to go. The advantage of this steak is that it’s a less expensive cut with more flavor. Slow cooking brings out that flavor and tenderizes it for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
11. Marinated Grilled Skirt Steak
This one can be a little tougher than the flank steak. However, it makes up for it in flavor. Sear it fast on an extremely hot grill or cast-iron skillet and leave it rare or medium-rare for a tender skirt steak.
12. Swiss Steak
The name of this steak has nothing to do with the country. Swissing is an ingenious way of turning a cheap cut of beef into a delicious and tender steak. Pound tough meat into tenderness, coat it with seasoned flour, and then simmer it in an exquisite tomato sauce for a saucy steak dinner.
13. Grilled Steak Kabobs
Beef steak skewered between peppers and onions is easy. Whip up some tzatziki and homemade pita bread for instant souvlakia, which is perfect for entertaining!
14. Spicy Grilled New York Steak
This popular strip steak for grilling gives you a pleasant chew. While it’s not as tender as the tenderloin, it’s close enough and cheaper, too.
15. Tomahawk Steak
This fun, delicious steak gets its name from its shape from the at least five inches of rib bone left on it. Yes, it’s expensive, so a ribeye gives you a more economical version of the same cut of beef.
16. Steak Diane
The delectable cream sauce makes this mouthwatering steak great. Besides, it’s always fun to flambée. This restaurant-quality steak dish is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish!
17. Steak au Poivre
The French know how to cook tempting and delicious foods, and this steak is no exception. Crusted with cracked pepper (au poivre) and drizzled with a cognac cream sauce, it’s restaurant quality without the hefty price tag.
18. Grilled Flank Steak
A flank steak is one of the most flavorful steaks you can get but can be a little tough if cooked incorrectly or cut too thick. Get the grill good and hot before you throw it on so it gets a good sear.
19. Perfect Filet Mignon
This primal cut of beef is one of the most tender and delicious you can get. The tenderloin, by any other name, is an easy steak to get right every time because it’s perfect.
Perfect Sides for Steak Dinners
20. Fondant Potatoes
This dish makes a perfect side or appetizer. Rosemary is pure yum on almost any high-carb dish, and potatoes are no exception.
21. Roasted Potatoes & Carrots
Roasting vegetables is a super-easy way to prepare a healthy meal for the family. Just scrub and coarsely chop the veggies, toss them with herbs and a little butter, and throw them in the oven while you prepare the rest of the meal. How easy is that?
22. Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes must be at the top of the list of comfort foods and the top pick for sides that go with steak. Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic make a meal fit for a king.
Salads and Other Vegetable Sides
A salad or plate full of roasted vegetables always makes me happy and is never missing from my list of steak dinner ideas.
23. Cucumber Tomato Salad
This easy salad is excellent alongside a steak and mashed potatoes. When someone says salad, we usually think of lettuce. However, my favorite salads don’t have even one leaf of lettuce, just like this one.
24. Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Colorful cucumbers and pineapple paired with red onions, red bell peppers, and cilantro deliver a genuine flavor explosion! So get ready for a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
25. Wedge Salad
I must admit, the first time I saw a wedge salad, I wondered what the point was. Was someone too lazy to cut up the lettuce to make a real salad? Then I tried it, and it was pretty good!
26. Ranch Potato Salad
I adore ranch salad dressing almost as much as potato salad. Put the two together, and you have a ranch potato salad that rocks. Plus, it’s a good way to have your potatoes and salad in the same bowl.
27. Macaroni Salad
Kids love macaroni salad, maybe because it has a fun shape. It’s also an excellent way to get kids to eat their veggies. However, if you prefer a version without mayo, try this awesome, easy pasta salad.
28. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are so cute! I love telling the kids they’re baby cabbages. Sauteeing them brings out their best side. Sauteed kale and spinach make good alternatives if you can’t get Brussels sprouts.
29. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon makes everything better, right up there beside butter. Of course, parmesan cheese does its fair share in making food taste better. This Parmesan-crusted asparagus is an excellent example of kicking veggies to another level of awesomeness.
This blog post was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated with more delicious recipes and gorgeous photos