Cowboy Butter Steak Bites & Campfire Potatoes

Big, Bold Flavor Around Every Campfire

If there were ever a recipe that defined camp cooking, this might be it. Tender sirloin steak is seared until beautifully caramelized, then tossed with crispy baby potatoes in a rich cowboy butter loaded with garlic, herbs, Dijon, lemon, and just enough heat to keep you coming back for another bite. It’s hearty enough after a day of hiking, simple enough for a weeknight at the campground, and guaranteed to earn requests for seconds.

Ingredients

Steak

• 2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Campfire Potatoes

• 1½ lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper

Cowboy Butter

• ½ cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh chives
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Directions

1️⃣ Cook the Potatoes

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and potatoes.

Cook 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fork tender.

Transfer to a plate.

2️⃣ Season the Steak

Pat steak dry.

Season with:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder

3️⃣ Sear

Increase skillet to high heat.

Add avocado oil.

Cook steak bites in batches for about 2 minutes per side until deeply browned.

Avoid overcrowding the pan.

4️⃣ Make the Cowboy Butter

Reduce heat.

Add butter.

Once melted, stir in:

• Garlic
• Dijon
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Herbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Smoked paprika

Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

5️⃣ Finish

Return potatoes to the skillet.

Toss everything together in the cowboy butter until well coated.

Garnish with additional parsley and chives.

Serve immediately.

RVD Signature Twists

• Bacon Lover’s Version – Add crispy chopped bacon during the final toss.
• Steakhouse Edition – Sauté mushrooms with the potatoes. Top with shaved parmesan.
• Loaded Campfire Style – Finish with shredded cheddar, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Southwest Cowboy – Add roasted jalapeños and finish with Cotija cheese.
• Ribeye Upgrade – Use ribeye instead of sirloin for an extra indulgent version.

🏕 RV-Friendly Notes

✔ One skillet

✔ Campfire, Blackstone, or stovetop friendly

✔ Ready in about 35 minutes

✔ High protein

✔ Easy cleanup

✔ Perfect after hiking or exploring

🧮 Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Serves 6)

• Calories: 565
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

❤️ Why RVers Love It

After a full day of exploring, there’s something deeply satisfying about hearing steak hit a hot cast-iron skillet. The rich cowboy butter seeps into every bite, while the crispy potatoes soak up all those savory flavors. It’s rustic, comforting, and feels like a steakhouse dinner made right at your campsite—without the steakhouse price tag.