Reverse Seared Ribeye with Cacio e Pepe Smashed Potatoes

As seen on The Today Show!

This recipe ensures that your steak is perfectly cooked through without all the smoke and mess of cooking steak in a pan on the stovetop. Once I learned the reverse-sear method, it forever changed the way I cook fattier cuts of beef — it breaks down the fat, allowing it to slice like butter!

- Elena Besser

5-ingredient Ribeye Steak with Smashed Cacio e Pepe Potatoes

Serves: 4 people

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 60 Minutes

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

RIB-EYE STEAK:

  • 1 ½-inch to 2-inch bone-in ribeye (2-2 ½ pounds)

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)

SMASHED POTATOES:

  • 2 pounds baby or fingerling potatoes

  • 1/4 cup kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

  • ½ cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola

Steps:

  1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator up to 1 hour before cooking. Pat the steak dry and season the entire surface of the steak with kosher salt. Preheat the oven to 300 F. 

  2. Cook the steak on a wire rack-lined baking sheet until the internal temperature reaches 120 for medium-rare or 125 for medium and the exterior is darkened, 25 to 30 minutes. 

  3. Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Season the water with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, continue to cook the potatoes until a paring knife easily pierces the potatoes and the insides are creamy, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and transfer to a rimmed baking sheet to cool slightly.

  4. Remove the steak from the oven and let sit on a wire rack until you are ready to sear. Increase the oven temperature to 500 F.  

  5. Drizzle the potatoes with ¼ cup oil and season with kosher salt. Toss to coat. Using the bottom of a mason jar or glass, push down gently to smash the potatoes. Drizzle the tops of the potatoes with ¼ cup more oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Roast the potatoes on the bottom rack of the oven for 10 minutes, remove from the oven, flip, top with ½ cup parmesan cheese and more freshly ground black pepper and place back into the oven for 10 minutes more. 

  6. While the potatoes finish roasting, sear the steaks. Rub steak with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil on both sides. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the skillet starts to smoke, add the steak and cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute, flip and cook for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat and add butter. Tilt the pan towards you so the butter pools at the bottom of the pan, and using a spoon, baste the steaks in melted butter for 1 minute. 

  7. Remove from heat, slice immediately, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve with crispy smashed potatoes. 

Elena Besser