Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake

I absolutely love this Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake—it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that combines tender steak, creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and flavorful veggies—all effortlessly cooked in the slow cooker. The aroma fills my home and every spoonful feels like a comforting hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s nearly hands-off but delivers big on flavor and texture. The crockpot gently tenderizes the steak, and the potatoes absorb all the juices, cheese, and seasoning. It’s perfect for busy days when I want a delicious, self-assembling dinner without constant vigilance or oven time.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ lb steak (sirloin, flank, or stew beef), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 4 cups potatoes (baby or diced russets)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional but delicious)

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, extra sour cream

directions

1. Lightly grease the inside of a 4–6‑quart crockpot.

2. In a bowl, toss steak pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

3. Layer potatoes and onion in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle minced garlic over them.

4. Add seasoned steak pieces on top of the potato-onion layer.

5. Pour beef broth around (not over) the steak so spices stay on.

6. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours, or High for 3–4 hours, until steak is tender and potatoes are cooked through.

7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar, and bacon bits (if using).

8. Cover and continue cooking until cheese melts and mixture is creamy.

9. Switch crockpot to Warm and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt for a few minutes.

10. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sour cream before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4–6

• Total time: Approx. 7 hours on Low (or 3.5 hours on High)

  • Prep: 15 minutes

  • Cook (Low): 6–7 hours

  • Cheese & sour cream step: 30 minutes

  • Rest & serve: 5 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap the steak for chunks of chicken breast or pork tenderloin—same cooking times, equally delicious.

• To add veggies, I’ll layer in broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers in the last hour of cooking.

• I can swap cheddar for pepper jack or Gruyère for a different cheese twist.

• For more flavor depth, I stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard before the cheese step.

• I use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat—with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess. I sometimes reheat in the slow cooker on Warm for a crowd-friendly option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak or potatoes?

I prefer fresh or thawed steak and potatoes. Frozen food may release extra liquid and alter cooking time.

Can I cook this shorter on High heat?

Yes—I cook it on High for 3–4 hours, though Low produces slightly more tender results.

What if my potatoes are still firm?

I stir everything gently, then cover and cook for an additional 30–45 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—I portion it into containers and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunch or dinner. It reheats beautifully and stays hearty and satisfying.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—I omit sour cream and cheese, and stir in coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives—still creamy, though different flavor.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is my go-to comfort meal that practically makes itself. With tender meat, creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and bacon (if I choose), it feels indulgent yet fuss-free. It’s ideal for busy days, family dinners, or any time I want a cozy, satisfying dish with minimal effort. I hope this becomes a staple in your recipe repertoire!