Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 medium yellow flesh potatoes (such as Idaho® golds), 5-6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Steak
- 1 ¼ pounds beef tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- 2 teaspoons truffle oil (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Peel the potatoes and slice a very thin piece off each end to create flat surfaces. Cut the potatoes into ½-inch thick slices (expect about 4-5 slices per potato). Count your slices to determine how much steak you’ll need, as each stack consists of 3 slices of potato and 2 slices of beef.
- Season and Bake Potatoes: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix over them and toss again to coat evenly. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until tender. Remove from the oven and tent with foil to keep warm and moist.
- Slice the Beef Tenderloin: Using a very sharp knife, slice the beef tenderloin horizontally into ½-inch thick slices, then cut these into smaller pieces so you have a 3:2 potato to beef ratio. For example, 8 stacks require 24 potato slices and 16 steak pieces. This ensures your stacks have balanced layers.
- Season and Cook the Steak: Sprinkle the steak pieces evenly with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add half of the steak pieces and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Assemble the Stacks: Begin with the largest potato slices at the bottom of each stack. Layer the largest pieces of steak next, followed by medium-sized potato slices, then smaller steak pieces, and finally top with the smallest potato slice. Drizzle each stack lightly with ¼ teaspoon of truffle oil and garnish with a generous pinch of fresh chopped tarragon. Serve stacks warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- The truffle oil is optional but adds a luxurious aroma and flavor to the stacks.
- Make sure your knife is very sharp to get clean, even slices of beef tenderloin and potatoes.
- You can prepare the potatoes ahead and keep them warm under foil while you cook the steak.
- Medium-rare steak can be adjusted to desired doneness by varying the cooking time slightly.
- Using a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American