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There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish that practically cooks itself. The Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is the perfect solution for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow-cooked dish brings together tender, juicy steak, soft, buttery potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, creating a rich, indulgent flavor that’s impossible to resist.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect combination of classic steakhouse flavors and the ease of set-it-and-forget-it slow cooking. Instead of standing over a stove, you can toss everything into the crockpot, let the flavors meld together for hours, and return to a meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a simple dish to bring to a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors—everything you love about a loaded baked potato, but with the added heartiness of steak. Plus, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a stress-free and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the comforting combination of steak and potatoes, this dish is about to become your new go-to meal. Here’s why:
- Effortless Cooking: No need to stand over a stove! Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating juicy, tender steak and buttery, well-seasoned potatoes.
- Cheesy & Indulgent: Loaded with melty cheddar and mozzarella, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream, this dish is like a loaded baked potato meets steakhouse dinner in one bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a family, or serving guests at a cozy gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Want a little heat? Add some jalapeños. Need a healthier version? Swap out a few ingredients. This recipe is as flexible as you want it to be!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This dish is all about simple, hearty ingredients that come together to make something magical.
The Essentials:
- Steak: I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re on a budget, chuck steak works, but it’s best to sear it first to develop flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they become soft and fluffy when cooked. If you want a creamier texture, go for Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best balance of sharpness and meltiness. Swap in Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for extra creaminess.
- Bacon: Adds crunch, saltiness, and a smoky depth to the dish. Turkey bacon can work if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Beef Broth: Helps keep the steak and potatoes moist and flavorful. Chicken broth or even a splash of heavy cream can be used for different flavor profiles.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are the core seasonings. You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Swaps and Additions:
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Need it dairy-free? Skip the cheese and sour cream, and add a touch of nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
- Looking for a veggie boost? Add in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Cube the steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small chunks for even cooking.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into pieces.
2. Build the Layers in the Crockpot
- Lightly grease the crockpot to prevent sticking.
- Add half of the potatoes, followed by half of the steak.
- Sprinkle with half of the seasonings, then add half of the cheese and bacon.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
3. Pour in the Broth and Butter
- Drizzle the beef broth over everything to keep it moist.
- Pour the melted butter over the top for richness.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the steak is fully cooked.
- Avoid opening the lid too often, as this will release heat and slow down the cooking process.
5. Melt the Cheese & Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt in the last 10 minutes.
- Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and extra bacon. Serve hot!
Expert Tips for Success
- For the most flavorful steak: If you have extra time, sear the steak in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This will give it a deeper, richer flavor.
- Prevent mushy potatoes: If you like your potatoes to hold their shape, cut them slightly larger and use Yukon Gold instead of Russet.
- Layer properly: Placing the potatoes at the bottom ensures they get fully cooked while the steak stays tender and juicy on top.
- Avoid overcooking: 6 hours on low is the sweet spot. Cooking too long can dry out the steak and make the potatoes too soft.
Variations and Customizations
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Turn it into a casserole: Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Keto-friendly version: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to keep it low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
- Tex-Mex twist: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a southwestern-inspired flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second bursts until warm.
- Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Side Dishes: Serve with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
- Bread Pairings: Enjoy with garlic bread, cornbread, or even a warm, crusty baguette to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Drinks: This dish pairs beautifully with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, a cold beer, or a classic sweet tea.
Summary and Encouragement
This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is warm, hearty, and completely satisfying—all while being ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just craving a cheesy, indulgent comfort food, this recipe never disappoints.
The beauty of this dish is its customizability—you can tweak the ingredients, spice it up, or make it as rich and creamy as you like. Plus, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, giving you more time to relax while still enjoying a homemade meal.
So, grab your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to dig into a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Try it out and make it your own—you won’t regret it!
The Best Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe
Description
If you love the combination of steak and potatoes but don’t want to spend hours cooking, this recipe is for you! The slow cooker works its magic, giving you melt-in-your-mouth steak and perfectly tender potatoes, all topped with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a rich, savory seasoning blend. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. If using a tougher cut like chuck, trim excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even-sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
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Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the potatoes evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add half of the steak cubes on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle half of the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper) over the steak and potatoes.
- Top with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon on top.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, steak, seasonings, cheese, and bacon.
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Add Liquids:
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the layers to keep everything moist and enhance the beefy flavor.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top for richness.
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Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the steak is fully cooked.
- Avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and may extend the cooking time.
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Melt the Cheese:
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the dish. Cover and let it melt into a gooey topping.
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Final Touches & Serve:
- Once the cheese has melted, turn off the crockpot and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, and extra bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Note
- Steak Selection: For the best flavor and tenderness, use sirloin or ribeye. If using chuck steak or stew meat, consider searing the pieces in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot for a richer taste.
- Potato Choices: Russet potatoes are classic for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier bite. If you prefer a firmer texture, try red potatoes.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar and mozzarella create a gooey texture, you can swap in Pepper Jack for a bit of spice or Colby Jack for a milder taste.
- Add Extra Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of ranch seasoning can add a tangy depth to the dish.
- Making it Spicier: If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cooking beyond 6 hours on low may cause the potatoes to become mushy and the steak to dry out.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving for an extra creamy texture.
- For a Crispy Finish: If you want a golden crust, transfer the cooked dish to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes in the oven before serving.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor and customizable to fit your taste preferences. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd!
