Imagine a luxurious steakhouse experience, complete with perfectly cooked filet mignon, savory roasted rosemary potatoes, and rich creamed spinach – all prepared in the comfort of your own home, in under 30 minutes! This exquisite Steakhouse Dinner for Two is designed for you and your loved one to savor a truly special evening without the fuss and expense of dining out.
To complete this romantic meal, consider serving a delightful, easy-to-make dessert like these No Bake Peanut Butter Dirt Cups. They are the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable dinner.
Elevating Your Date Night: The Joy of a Home-Cooked Steakhouse Dinner
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply a desire for a special weeknight meal, the concept of a “date night in” has evolved. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for elaborate preparations can be challenging. Many couples, especially those with busy schedules or young children, often find themselves longing for the intimate atmosphere of a high-end restaurant without the logistical hurdles of reservations, babysitters, or crowded dining rooms. This is where the magic of a home-cooked steakhouse dinner truly shines.
In our own experience, before having children, my husband and I cherished our annual Valentine’s Day tradition of going out. We’d meticulously plan, making reservations months in advance and eagerly anticipating the gourmet feast for weeks. However, with two energetic children now part of our lives, our priorities have beautifully shifted. While a pizza and movie night remains a beloved family ritual, there’s something incredibly romantic about rekindling that pre-parenting spark after the kids are tucked into bed. It’s in those quiet moments that we find joy in preparing and savoring a delicious meal together, much like we used to, but now with the added comfort and peace of our own home.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates why the Steakhouse Dinner for Two recipe, thoughtfully crafted by April Anderson of Girl Gone Gourmet, is an absolute gem for you and your significant other. It offers a sophisticated dining experience without any of the usual stress. This year, forget the hassle of restaurant reservations and embrace a truly intimate and personalized Valentine’s date night right in your own kitchen.
Meet the Culinary Mastermind: April Anderson and “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two”
My journey to discovering April Anderson’s incredible talent began years ago through a vibrant online foodie Facebook group. I was immediately drawn to her work, especially since she hails from Wyoming, a state my own family calls home. Our connection quickly grew, and I’ve been a long-time admirer of her culinary philosophy.
April recently released her highly anticipated cookbook, Gourmet Cooking for One or Two, and I was incredibly grateful when she graciously sent me a copy. This cookbook is a revelation for anyone looking to create impressive, flavorful meals designed for smaller households, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a dynamic duo.
What makes April’s cookbook stand out is its focus on perfectly portioned meals. Inside its beautifully designed pages, you’ll find a treasure trove of recipes crafted for one or two servings, ensuring minimal waste and maximum flavor. We’ve already fallen in love with several dishes, including the hearty Black Bean Skillet Nachos, the refreshing Chicken Gyro Salad, the comforting Roasted Cauliflower Soup, and the deliciously unique Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, just to name a few. But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there – the book boasts an impressive collection of 75 diverse recipes!
One of the best features of “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two” is the inherent flexibility of its recipes. Whether I’m preparing a meal for just my husband and me, or scaling up to feed our family of four, the recipes are incredibly easy to double or even triple without compromising taste or quality. This versatility is precisely what allowed me to adapt April’s original single-serving Steak House Dinner into this perfect romantic meal for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Beyond being a fantastic resource for home cooks, “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two” also makes an exceptional gift. It’s perfect for college students living on their own, singles who love to cook, empty nesters, or truly anyone who appreciates bold flavors presented in manageable portions. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, inspiring delicious meals time and again.
The Ultimate 30-Minute Steakhouse Dinner for Two: A Culinary Breakdown
Let’s dive into the star of the show: this incredible Steakhouse Dinner for Two. Get ready, because this entire gourmet experience is ready in under 30 minutes, including all the prep work! Yes, you read that right. Thanks to April’s brilliant recipe, you can achieve steakhouse-quality dining right in your own kitchen, defying the myth that gourmet meals require hours of effort.
This magnificent menu features three essential components that together create a cohesive and deeply satisfying meal: tender filet mignon, aromatic roasted rosemary potatoes, and luxuriously creamy spinach. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering a symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is a pure delight.
Mastering the Main Course: Filet Mignon Perfection
The filet mignon, known for its unparalleled tenderness and lean profile, is the crown jewel of this steakhouse experience. Achieving a perfect sear and ideal doneness is simpler than you might think. Start by ensuring your steaks are at room temperature before cooking – a crucial step for even cooking. A hot skillet with a touch of vegetable oil creates that coveted crust, locking in the juices. Six minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness, followed by a quick sear on the edges, will yield fantastic results. The final touch of basting with melted butter infuses the steak with incredible richness, making it truly restaurant-worthy. Don’t forget to let your steaks rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
The Perfect Accompaniments: Rosemary Potatoes and Creamed Spinach
Complementing the star steak are two classic, yet elevated, side dishes. The roasted rosemary potatoes are simple to prepare but deliver immense flavor. Tossed with olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper, then roasted until golden brown and crispy, they provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender steak. The earthy aroma of rosemary fills the kitchen, adding to the overall sensory experience.
Then there’s the creamed spinach – a rich and decadent side that perfectly balances the meal. Sautéed onions and garlic form the aromatic base, followed by fresh spinach that wilts down into a vibrant green. The addition of flour, heavy cream, and a hint of salt and pepper creates a thick, luxurious sauce. And the secret ingredient? Crumbled blue cheese, which adds a pungent, salty depth that elevates the creamed spinach from simple to sensational. This combination truly delivers on flavor, promising a culinary journey that will leave you and your sweetie absolutely delighted!
Skip the reservations this year and make this Steakhouse Dinner for Two. Your sweetie will thank you!
Steakhouse Dinner for Two
2 servings
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
If you’ve got 30 minutes, then you’ve got a fabulous Steakhouse Dinner for Two all prepared at home, for you and a loved one!
Ingredients
- Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- 2 (6oz russet potatoes) cut into 1″ pieces
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- pinch of kosher salt
- pinch of black pepper
- cooking spray
- Steak
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 (6oz) filet mignon steaks, seasoned with kosher salt on both sides*
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Creamed Spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 teaspoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled and divided
- *I purchased bacon wrapped filets.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Toss potatoes into a medium sized bowl with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper until they are evenly coated. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the potatoes out in an even layer. Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Steak
- After the potatoes have been roasted for 10 minutes, prepare the steaks. In a 10 inch non-stick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the steaks into the pan and sear on each side for 6 minutes. Turn the steak and sear the sides for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add butter to the pan and, once it melts, carefully tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the top of each steak repeatedly for about 1 minute. Transfer steaks to a plate and wrap with foil to keep warm.
Creamed Spinach
- While the steaks rest, make the creamed spinach. Into a medium sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts and cooks down. Add flour and stir to evenly coat. Adjust the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, salt and pepper to the pan, and stir to combine. Simmer the cream until it thickens, about 1 minute. Add half of the crumbled blue cheese and stir to combine. Cover and turn off the heat.
Slice the steak against the grain into 1/2 inch pieces. Serve with rosemary roasted potatoes and creamed spinach, sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top.
Notes
*Recipe reprinted with permission from author, April Anderson of Girl Gone Gourmet
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog!
- Gourmet Cooking for One or Two: Incredible Meals that are Small in Size but Big on Flavor
- Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Baking Sheet, 2-Piece Set
- Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Skillet with Glass Cover, Black
- Steak Knives, Steak Knife Set of 4 Premium Kitchen Table Knife 4.5 Inch Straight Edge Blade Dinner Knives Non Serrated
Essential Tips for Your Home Steakhouse Success
Cook’s Tip: For the most even cooking and a tender result, always allow your steaks to sit out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final quality of your meat.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: To perfectly complement this rich and flavorful Steakhouse Dinner for Two, consider pairing it with a robust Pinot Noir, known for its elegant fruit notes, or a full-bodied Chardonnay, which offers a lovely creaminess that harmonizes beautifully with the steak and spinach.
This recipe from “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two” is a testament to April Anderson’s ability to create accessible yet sophisticated meals. Don’t miss out on adding this fantastic cookbook to your collection! You can snag your own copy easily from Amazon, or check out this page for more details on where to grab a copy that suits you best.
While you’re exploring, I highly recommend following April’s fantastic food blog, Girl Gone Gourmet. She consistently shares amazingly delicious and inspiring recipes that will surely spark your culinary creativity.
More Inspiration for Special Occasions
If you’re still on the hunt for last-minute romantic ideas or gifts, take a peek at this Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. With Amazon Prime, you might even receive them just in time for your special celebration!