Smoked Cowboy Ribeye with Creamy Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Harissa Honey Roasted Carrots & Asparagus
A bold, smoky steak with rich garlic mash and spicy-sweet roasted veggies. 🥩🔥🥔🥕🥬
Introduction
This meal gives you a big, smoky cowboy ribeye with creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and harissa-honey roasted carrots and asparagus. It’s homey and a little fancy at the same time. You can smoke the steak low and slow, then sear for a crisp crust. The potatoes stay smooth and garlicky, and the veggies bring sweet heat. 🍯🌶️
Want a light, creamy side for another meal? Try this cool fruit dish while the steak rests: Chilled Creamy Fruit Bowl. 🍓🥭
Why make this recipe?
- It balances bold meat with creamy and sweet-spicy sides. 🥩🥔🥕
- It works for a weekend dinner or a small celebration. 🎉
- You can prep most of it ahead, then finish quickly when guests arrive. ⏱️
How to prepare Smoked Cowboy Ribeye with Creamy Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Harissa Honey Roasted Carrots & Asparagus
Prep steps first: season the steaks, scrub potatoes, trim asparagus, slice carrots, mix harissa and honey. If you want step-by-step sauce ideas for other dishes, see this easy creamy salad reference while you plan: Creamy Fruit Salad Guide. 🥗
Ingredients:
- 2 cowboy ribeye steaks 🥩
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 🔥
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 4 Yukon Gold potatoes 🥔
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed 🥬
- 4 carrots, sliced 🥕
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste 🌶️
- 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
Instructions:
- Season the steaks: Pat steaks dry, rub with olive oil 🫒, smoked paprika 🔥, salt and pepper 🧂. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes. 🕒
- Prep smoker or grill: Heat smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using a gas grill, set up for indirect heat and add a small smoker box or wood chips for smoke. 🔥
- Smoke the steaks: Place steaks on the smoker/grill over indirect heat. Smoke until internal temp reaches about 110–115°F (43–46°C) for medium-rare (this can take ~45–60 minutes depending on thickness). Use a meat thermometer. 🌡️🥩
- Sear for crust: Heat a cast-iron pan or hot grill to high. Sear steaks 1–2 minutes per side for a crust, or until internal temp hits 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare. Rest steaks 10 minutes tented with foil. 🔥🧂
- Boil potatoes: While steaks smoke, cut potatoes into even chunks and place in salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. 🥔🍲
- Make garlic cream: Warm heavy cream with minced garlic in a small pan until fragrant (do not boil). Remove from heat. 🧄🥛
- Mash potatoes: Drain potatoes well. Mash with butter 🧈, warm garlic cream, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm. 🥔🧈
- Roast carrots & asparagus: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss sliced carrots 🥕 with 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒, 1 tablespoon harissa paste 🌶️, and 1 tablespoon honey 🍯. Spread carrots on a sheet pan and roast 12 minutes. Add asparagus tossed with remaining olive oil, harissa (if you like it spicy), and honey. Roast another 8–10 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. 🥕🥬🔥
- Final season: Taste mashed potatoes and veg; adjust salt and pepper. Slice steaks against the grain. 🧂🔪
- Plate: Spoon creamy mashed potatoes on the plate, add roasted carrots and asparagus, and place sliced smoked ribeye on top or next to the mash. Garnish with a pat of butter on the steak or a sprinkle of parsley if you like. 🍽️
How to serve Smoked Cowboy Ribeye with Creamy Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Harissa Honey Roasted Carrots & Asparagus
- Slice the steak thin against the grain for tenderness. 🔪🥩
- Serve the mash hot, spooned beside the steak. 🥔
- Arrange roasted carrots and asparagus for color and texture. 🥕🥬
- Offer extra harissa or honey on the side for guests who want more heat or sweetness. 🌶️🍯
How to store Smoked Cowboy Ribeye with Creamy Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Harissa Honey Roasted Carrots & Asparagus
- Fridge: Store steak, potatoes, and veggies in airtight containers up to 3–4 days. 🧊
- Freezer: You can freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating. ❄️
- Reheat: Gently reheat steak slices in a low oven (250°F / 120°C) just until warm, or warm in a skillet with a splash of stock. Reheat potatoes on the stove with a splash of milk or cream. Reheat veggies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. 🔥
Tips for preparing Smoked Cowboy Ribeye with Creamy Garlic Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Harissa Honey Roasted Carrots & Asparagus
- Let steaks come to room temp before smoking for even cooking. 🕒🥩
- Use a meat thermometer for best results — don’t guess doneness. 🌡️
- Don’t overmix mashed potatoes; stop when they’re smooth and fluffy. 🥔
- Roast carrots first because they take longer; add asparagus near the end so it stays bright and crisp. 🥕🥬
- If you don’t have a smoker, use a grill with wood chips or a stovetop smoking method, then sear in a hot pan. 🔥
For another idea to pair simple creamy sides with a main, see this creamy fruit salad recipe for a sweet finish: Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe. 🍯🍓
Variations (if applicable)
- Swap ribeye for a tomahawk or porterhouse for more people. 🥩
- Make the mash with sour cream or cream cheese for tang. 🧀
- Use a milder paste like harissa mixed with olive oil if you prefer less heat. 🌶️➡️🫒
- Roast other root veggies like parsnips or sweet potatoes with the carrots. 🍠
FAQs
Q: What internal temp should I aim for with a cowboy ribeye?
A: For medium-rare aim for 125–130°F (52–54°C) after searing and resting. Use a thermometer. 🌡️
Q: Can I skip smoking and just grill the steak?
A: Yes. Season and sear over high heat, then cook over indirect heat to desired temp. You’ll miss some smoky flavor, but it will still be excellent. 🔥
Q: Can I make parts of this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mash potatoes can be made a day ahead and reheated. Carrots can be cut and tossed, then roasted before serving. Steaks are best cooked the day you serve. 🕒
Q: How spicy is harissa in this dish?
A: Harissa has moderate heat and smoky spice. Adjust the amount to taste or mix with olive oil/honey to mellow it. 🌶️🍯
Q: What if my asparagus gets soggy when reheating?
A: Reheat briefly in a hot oven (400°F / 200°C) for a few minutes to crisp it up. Avoid microwaving. 🔥
Conclusion
If you want more side-dish ideas to pair with seafood or other mains, check out 50 Best Delicious Side Dishes for Salmon | The Kitchn for inspiration. For sheet-pan meal ideas and easy roast combos, see this recipe for Sheetpan Salmon and Potatoes With Veggies | Olive & Mango. If you’re planning a larger gathering or want catering options, this Catering Menu | Meijer Gardens has useful menu layouts and ideas.