If you love hearty, comforting meals that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you are going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender sirloin steak, creamy potatoes, and rich, melty cheddar cheese, all simmered together in your slow cooker. The addition of bacon and green onions takes it to the next level with bursts of smoky and fresh flavors. This dish is so easy to put together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you need a family dinner or something to impress friends without the fuss, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe is a breeze. Each one plays a key role in adding delicious layers of flavor and perfect textures — from the tender steak bites and fluffy potatoes to the creamy sauce and crispy bacon.
- Sirloin steak (1 lb): Cut into 1-inch cubes for juicy, tender pieces that soak up all the flavors perfectly.
- Russet potatoes (4 large): Peeled and diced to create the hearty base that will cook to creamy softness.
- Onion (1 medium): Chopped for that sweet and savory depth essential in every comforting casserole.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced to infuse the dish with irresistible aroma and a slight kick.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds a luxuriously creamy texture and an earthy undertone.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings a tangy richness that balances the meat and potatoes beautifully.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and infuses even more savory flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey perfection, crowning the bake with cheesy goodness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to make every bite unforgettable.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and lovely red hue.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Provides an herby, fragrant note that complements the steak beautifully.
- Cooked bacon (6 slices): Crumbled for that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor contrast.
- Green onions (1/4 cup): Chopped for a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting your sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes, which allows them to cook evenly and become tender during the long slow-cooking process. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks, so they soften just right without turning mushy. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to layer in aromatic depth that will perfume the whole dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. This silky mixture is the heart of the Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe, ensuring the potatoes and meats cook up tender and flavorful. Stir in your salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to season the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Layer the Crockpot
Now comes the fun part. Layer half of the diced potatoes and onion into the bottom of your crockpot, then add half of the steak cubes on top. Spoon over half of the creamy sauce mixture, and sprinkle half of the minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Repeat the layers one more time to build your delicious casserole.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the steak is melt-in-your-mouth soft. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often so the heat stays consistent and the flavors develop deeply. The slow cooking truly brings out the tender, comforting essence of this dish.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, give the bake a gentle stir to mix up the melted cheese and creamy sauce throughout. Then, sprinkle with the chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving. This simple step brightens the dish and adds a lovely crisp bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe even more inviting, add a dollop of sour cream or a few extra crumbles of crispy bacon right on top. The green onions we mixed in are great, but feel free to add some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green freshness and an herbaceous kick that pairs beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
This bake is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a bright, crisp side salad or some steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans helps to balance the meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness while complementing the smoky, savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve this straight from the crockpot to keep it warm and inviting. For special occasions, spoon portions onto plates and garnish each serving with fresh chives or a sprinkle of extra cheese. You can even serve it in individual ramekins or baking dishes to make it feel a bit more elegant and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making the dish taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it slightly before storing to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, this dish makes a fantastic ready-to-go meal for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the dish looks a bit dry, add a splash of beef broth or sour cream to bring back that luscious creamy texture reliably enjoyed in the original Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks well in the crockpot, you can also use ribeye or even chuck steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require slightly longer cooking to become tender, but they also bring excellent flavor and richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the steak and bacon with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or even plant-based meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup for a delicious meat-free version.
Can I prepare this recipe without the crockpot?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can assemble everything in a baking dish and bake it covered at 350°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the potatoes and meat are tender. Just check occasionally to make sure it doesn’t dry out and add a bit more broth if needed.
How spicy is this dish?
This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe is very mild in heat, focusing more on smoky and savory flavors. If you’d like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Can I double this recipe to serve a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales well — just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the increased volume. Adjust cooking times as needed, especially if the crockpot is more filled than usual, to ensure everything cooks through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration of comfort food, with each bite melting together tender meat, creamy potatoes, and savory cheese in a way that makes you want to come back for seconds. Perfect for busy nights and lazy weekends alike, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So grab your slow cooker and give this fantastic bake a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender sirloin steak, creamy diced potatoes, and savory flavors baked together in a slow cooker. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers layers of cheesy, smoky, and herby goodness with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Vegetables
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Crumble the cooked bacon and chop the green onions for garnish.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Stir well until smooth. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Layer the crockpot: Place half of the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Add half of the chopped onions, minced garlic, and half of the cubed steak over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture evenly on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, steak, and the rest of the soup mixture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked through, stirring once halfway if possible for even cooking.
- Add cheese and bacon: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the baked mixture. Cover and allow the cheese to melt completely inside the crockpot.
- Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn off the crockpot. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh flavor and color contrast. Serve hot as a satisfying main meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the beef broth to 1/4 cup or substitute with heavy cream.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or strip steak for a richer flavor.
- Use smoked or regular bacon depending on preference for smokiness.
- Ensure cubed potatoes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- If you do not have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted for baking in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
