Perfectly Tender Braised Beef Medallions with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Delight

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to comfort food that feels like a luxurious treat, nothing beats braised beef medallions served with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty and flavorful dish brings together tender beef bites coated in a garlic butter sauce, perfectly complemented by a side of rich, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a dinner that is sure to impress, yet surprisingly simple to prepare.

Imagine sinking your fork into bite-sized pieces of succulent steak, each coated in a golden brown sear, and finished with a garlicky butter sauce. The mash, with its smooth texture and rich flavor, provides the perfect foundation to soak up all those savory juices. Whether it's for a special family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

The Magic Behind Braised Beef Medallions Braised beef medallions are known for their tenderness and depth of flavor. By searing them first, you lock in the juices and create a rich, caramelized crust. The garlic butter sauce that follows enhances the meat, giving it an aromatic and buttery finish. The key to making this dish shine is balancing the richness of the steak with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.

The mashed potatoes, with just a hint of sour cream, are a perfect pairing for the bold flavors of the beef medallions. This recipe also allows room for personal flair, like adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness or pairing it with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Recipe: Braised Beef Medallions with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized medallions
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Mash:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp sour cream

Instructions:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Mash with the butter, milk, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

For the Steak Bites:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Finish the Dish:

1. Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Serve the steak bites over the mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

This dish offers a burst of flavor in every bite, from the perfectly seasoned steak medallions to the creamy mashed potatoes. For an extra touch, consider serving it with steamed vegetables, like green beans or asparagus, to add color and balance to the meal.

Conclusion Braised beef medallions with mashed potatoes is the kind of meal that satisfies both the heart and the stomach. It’s a simple recipe, yet it delivers a depth of flavor that feels gourmet. The tender steak bites, coated in garlic butter and paired with buttery mashed potatoes, create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Here are a few reliable sources for learning how to properly sear meat and enhance its flavor:

1. The Kitchn provides an excellent guide on how to sear meat properly, emphasizing the importance of high heat, a dry meat surface, and using the right type of pan (cast iron or stainless steel). They debunk the myth about sealing in juices, focusing instead on developing a rich caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction​(The Kitchn).
2. AllRecipes explains that searing meat enhances the final dish's flavor by caramelizing the surface and creating a deep brown crust. They recommend bringing the meat to room temperature and drying it well before searing to maximize the browning​(Allrecipes).
3. Meat Chef Tools highlights the importance of preheating the pan to 400-450°F and selecting the right cooking pan (cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel) for effective heat retention. This ensures that the meat develops a flavorful crust without overcooking​(MeatChefTools).
4. Tasting Table discusses the Maillard reaction in detail and provides additional tips, such as using high smoke point oils (like canola or avocado) and finishing with butter for extra flavor. They also suggest using a marinade or glaze to add depth to the seared crust​(Tasting Table).

These sources will give you comprehensive techniques and insights into the art of searing meat.