Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. It combines tender steak, creamy potatoes, and all the classic “loaded” toppings like cheese, sour cream, and bacon. It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner with minimal prep. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well)
- 6-8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or 1/2 cup bacon bits)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for browning the steak (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak:
- If desired, brown the steak before adding it to the crockpot to add extra flavor. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the steak directly to the crockpot.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Add the potato cubes to the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the browned steak (or raw steak if you skipped the browning).
- Add the onion and garlic on top of the meat and potatoes.
- Pour the beef broth over the top, and sprinkle the mixture with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine.
3. Cook the Dish:
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The steak should be tender, and the potatoes should be soft and cooked through.
4. Finish the Dish:
- Once the cooking time is up, stir the mixture in the crockpot. Add the sour cream and cheddar cheese, then stir until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and well combined.
5. Add Toppings:
- Top the dish with the crumbled bacon and green onions.
- If you like extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top before serving.
Tips:
- Meat Options: If you want a leaner option, you can use ground beef instead of steak. Just brown it first before adding it to the crockpot.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen corn to make it more filling.
- Make It Creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add cream cheese to the crockpot along with the sour cream for a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time by chopping all the ingredients and storing them in the fridge. Just add everything to the crockpot in the morning and cook for dinner!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake with a side of greens, such as steamed broccoli or a simple salad. It’s already filling, so you don’t need much more, but a warm dinner roll or crusty bread would go well to scoop up all the creamy goodness.
This dish is perfect for a family meal or when you have guests over, as it’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. Would you like any more tips or variations for this dish?