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A cast iron skillet full of 15-minute steak and onions, a perfect example of easy steak dinner recipes.

15-Minute Skillet Steak & Onions

The ultimate weeknight lifesaver! Perfectly seared steak cubes and sweet caramelized onions come together in one pan in just 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet (12-inch recommended)
  • 1 Spatula or Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb thin sliced steak, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and have started to caramelize. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
  • Season Steak: While the onions are cooking, pat the steak pieces completely dry with a paper towel. Season them generously on all sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Sear Steak: Increase the heat under the skillet to high. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steak in the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, without moving the pieces, until a deep brown crust forms.
  • Combine & Finish: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked onions to the skillet with the steak. Add the butter and stir everything together for about 1 minute until the butter is melted and has created a glossy sauce.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestion: This dish is fantastic served with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or over a bed of egg noodles.
  • Get a Great Sear: The keys to a perfect crust are a very hot pan and completely dry steak. Don't skip patting the meat dry!
  • Mushroom Variation: For a steak and mushroom skillet, add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan with the onions and cook until browned.
Keyword 15 minute meals, easy steak dinner recipes, one pan meal, skillet steak, steak and onions, steak cubes