Cast Iron Pepper Crusted Steak Recipe (2024)

This Pepper Crusted Steak is cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet then topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for holidays and celebratory dinners and ready in only 30 minutes!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and that means a tasty date night dinner with your sweetheart! My husband and never go out for Valentine's Day and instead opt to make dinner together at home with our kids.

This Pepper Crusted Steak recipe is the best date-night dinner in, celebratory meal or holiday meal for the family. This steak dinner is taken to the next level with my homemade Creamy Mushroom Sauce and pairs great with loads of sides. The entire recipe is ready in only 30 minutes and feels super fancy with very little prep or ingredients needed.

Ingredient Notes

• Steak: Okay, so when it comes to meat I go all out, especially with steak. There really is nothing worse than a chewy piece of steak. For this recipe I used a tenderloin cut, which also includes the filet mignon (my personal favorite), because I think it pairs perfectly with the peppercorns and cream sauce.
  Tenderloin or filet mignon is very expensive so of course you can use an alternate cut of steak if you wish. Some other great options would be sirloin, NY strip or strip steak. Whichever cut you choose make sure each cut is at least 1 ½ inches thick.
• Ground Peppercorns: I used ground black peppercorns to coat my steak with, but you could use a mix of black, white or red peppercorns if you prefer.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Topping: My FAVORITE sauce to pair with this steak recipe. Seriously, these two are such a dynamic duo and this mushroom sauce takes this steak to another level.

Why You'll LOVE This!
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 Minutes and Little Prep Required
Great for Date Night, Anniversary's or a Celebratory Dinner
Only a Few Basic Ingredients Required

Instructions

Steak Prep

1. First, take your steak of choice out of the fridge and place it on a large plate or cutting board letting it come to room temperature (about 20 minutes). This will help the steak cook more evenly. I like to do this first while I prep my sides, get my pan ready and all that jazz.
2. Sprinkle all sides of the steak with salt and ground peppercorns making sure it is generously coated.

Storing Leftover Steak
To store leftover pepper crusted steak, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I HIGHLY recommend re-heating the steak in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 325 degrees F, or just until warm. If you re-heat the steak in the microwave it is going to cook the steak more and leave you with a warm, but well-done piece of meat.

Cooking

1. Place the cast iron skillet on a large burner on the stove and let it heat up before adding the butter and olive oil. This will help the steak not stick. Once the skillet it hot, reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and olive oil (it should melt and bubble right away).
2. Place your cuts of steak in the middle of the pan, but not crowding each other. Let them sit (do not flip them) for 4-5 minutes allowing the outside to sear. While the steak is sitting you can add some fresh herbs to the pan as well if using.
3. After 5 minutes flip each steak and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes without moving it.
4. After 5 minutes, use your tongs to prop each filet cut on it's side for 1-2 minutes so the edges can sear. Repeat this until all the edges are seared.
5. Once you have seared the edges, check the internal temperature of each pepper crusted steak and continue to cook on low until it reaches your desired temperature. I like mine about medium to medium-rare which is an internal temperature of about 145 degrees F. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serve with creamy mushroom sauce and side of choice. Enjoy!

FAQS

Pairing Ideas

• Spinach Apple Salad: This healthy salad is perfect to pair with this pepper crusted steak main course. Great for a Fall pairing!
• Air Fryer Baked Potato: Ah, steak and potatoes, what is better?! These air fried baked potatoes will compliment this steak perfectly for dinner.
• Herb Roasted Potatoes: These simple herb roasted potatoes are ready fast and
• Quinoa Tabouli: This gluten-free option is perfect for all my low-carb friends out there!
• Balsamic Oven Roasted Asparagus: This simple vegetarian side is ready in only 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with this pepper crusted steak!
• Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots: This simple, and quick veg side-dish will be a hit with both kids and adults!
• Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans: I love this simple green bean recipe, because it comes together quick AND I don't have to turn on my oven! Yay!
• Roasted Purple Brussels Sprouts Salad: This beautiful salad recipe will be a show-stopper for celebratory dinners like Valentine's Day or an anniversary!
• Easy Potatoes Au Gratin: I grew up eating a similar recipe, and really there is nothing better than some creamy, cheesy taters!

Suggested Kitchen Tools
A Cast Iron Skillet: I adore using my 12 inch cast iron skillet for this recipe, because it sears the steak so well. If you do not have a cast iron skillet you can use any large pan like stainless steal. I do not recommend using a non-stick pan for this pepper crusted filet mignon, because it is harder to get a good sear.

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Happy Eating!

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