Oh, you know those nights, right? The ones where you get home, you’re hungry, and the last thing you want to do is stare into the fridge hoping for a miracle. That’s exactly when my Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe swoops in to save the day! Seriously, this thing is pure magic in a slow cooker – it’s hearty, packed with flavor, and unbelievably easy. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I had back-to-back meetings and was dreading arriving home to an empty kitchen. This bake was my lifeline, simmering away all day, ready to be dished up with zero fuss. It’s become a staple for a reason, folks!
Why This Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe Is a Must-Try
Honestly, if you’re looking for a meal that practically makes itself and tastes like a million bucks, this is it! Here’s why this recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites:
- Seriously Simple Prep: We’re talking minimal chopping and just a few minutes to toss everything into the crockpot. Dinner magic, folks!
- Barely Any Cleanup: The best part? Everything cooks in one pot! Less scrubbing means more time for you.
- Pure Comfort Food Bliss: Tender steak, perfectly cooked potatoes, all swimming in a savory, rich broth with that cheesy, creamy finish? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Crowd Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s picky eaters, hungry teens, or dinner guests, this bake always gets rave reviews. It’s hearty and satisfying for everyone.
- Set It and Forget It: Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up this amazingly satisfying crockpot bake, you’ll need just a handful of simple things. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here, just good ol’ wholesome ingredients ready to transform into dinner gold.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather up:
- 2 pounds of beef sirloin steak, cut into nice bite‑sized cubes (about 1 inch is perfect)
- 1 teaspoon of salt – gotta season that steak!
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper for a little kick
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – just enough to get things going
- 1 big onion, chopped up – it adds so much flavor!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine
- 1 pound of baby red potatoes, quartered – I love using baby reds because their skins are tender even after slow cooking
- 1 cup of beef broth – this is the liquid base that helps everything get tender
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – for that gooey, melty topping
- 1/4 cup of sour cream – adds a lovely tang and creaminess
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chives, chopped – these are for that final pop of freshness and color. So pretty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness going! It sounds fancy, but making this Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake is honestly super straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how little effort turns into such incredible flavor. Trust me, even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ve got this! Plus, knowing how to cook perfect eggs can really help with all sorts of kitchen adventures, kinda like how we’re about to make this amazing steak and potato dish!
Preparing and Browning the Steak
First things first, let’s get that steak ready. Grab those beautiful sirloin cubes and give them a good sprinkle – we’re talking salt and pepper, folks! Now, heat up your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot. Carefully add the steak and brown it on all sides. This step is key because it seals in all those yummy juices and gives the steak a fantastic depth of flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; do it in batches if you need to. Once they’re nicely browned? Pop ’em right into your crockpot. Easy peasy! For more steak tips, check out this crazy easy steak recipe!
Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now for the easy part! Dump your chopped onion and that minced garlic right in with the beautifully browned steak. Next, tumble in those quartered baby red potatoes. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute it all evenly. Finally, pour in that beef broth. This is what’s going to help create that wonderfully savory sauce as everything cooks. Just give it one last little swirl to make sure it’s all mixed together nicely.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Time to let the magic happen! Slap that lid on the crockpot nice and snug. You have two options here: you can cook it on LOW for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush, crank it up to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you’re looking for that point where the steak is fork-tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft. You’ll know it’s ready when everything just falls apart beautifully.
Finishing Touches: Cheese and Creaminess
Okay, so your kitchen is probably smelling AMAZING right now! Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and that dollop of sour cream. Give it a good mix until the cheese is all melted into a gooey, creamy sauce. It just takes a minute or two to get perfect. Then, sprinkle those lovely chopped fresh chives right over the top. They add such a fresh, pretty finish!
Tips for Success with Your Steak and Potato Bake
Making this Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake is pretty foolproof, but these little tips can make it *absolutely* perfect every single time. Trust me, I’ve learned a few things along the way! We want tender steak, fork-soft potatoes, and that amazing creamy sauce, right? So, pay attention to these little secrets!
First off, don’t skip browning the steak! I know it’s an extra step, but it’s where all that deep, savory flavor comes from. It’s like giving the steak a little head start on deliciousness. For the potatoes, using baby reds is my go-to because their skin gets so tender. If you use larger potatoes, just make sure they’re cut into pieces that are about the same size so they cook evenly. You know, like how getting your potatoes right is key for things like loaded smashed potatoes!
Also, resist the urge to peek too often! Every time you lift that lid, you lose precious heat and extend the cooking time. I know it’s tempting when it smells so good, but let the slow cooker do its thing. And when you add the cheese and sour cream at the end? Stir gently! You don’t want to mash up your tender potatoes; you’re just looking to blend it all into that luscious, creamy finish.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Crockpot Bake
So, life happens and sometimes you might not have every single thing on my list, right? No worries! This Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake is pretty forgiving. If you don’t have sirloin steak, a chuck roast or even round steak will work just fine; they might just need a little longer to get super tender. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes. For the potatoes, Yukon Golds or Russets are perfectly fine if you can’t find baby reds, but just make sure to cut them into manageable chunks so they cook evenly. If you’re trying to keep it dairy-free, you can totally skip the cheddar and sour cream. It will still be delicious, just a little less creamy and cheesy, of course! You could maybe stir in a little extra beef broth mixed with a spoonful of cornstarch at the end to thicken it up a bit if you like.
Serving Suggestions for Your Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
Now that you’ve made this incredibly delicious Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it. Honestly, it’s such a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, a simple crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is always fantastic. It adds a nice freshness to cut through all that rich, comforting goodness. Or, you can never go wrong with some crusty bread to sop up any extra savory sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans also adds a nice pop of color and extra veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe
Got questions about this comforting crockpot creation? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little nitty-gritty details. Here are some common ones I hear. If you have another question, don’t hesitate to reach out via my contact page!
Can I freeze leftovers of this Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake?
Yes, you absolutely can! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It reheats surprisingly well!
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I still make this?
Oh, bummer! While the crockpot is the star here for its ease, you *can* totally adapt it. Brown your steak and sauté your onions and garlic in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven. Then add your potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cover it tightly and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the steak and potatoes are tender. You’ll achieve a similar result!
Can I make this Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake spicier?
You bet! If you love a little heat, I’ve got a couple of ideas. You could toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the steak, or maybe a diced jalapeño along with the onions. For an extra kick at the end, you could swirl in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce with the sour cream, or even add a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the cheese. Play around and find your perfect heat level!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots, bell peppers (any color!), or even some mushrooms with the onions and garlic. Just make sure they’re cut into pieces that will cook through in about the same time as the potatoes. It’s a fantastic way to bulk it up even more!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so here’s the lowdown on the nutrition for this Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake recipe. Remember, these numbers are just estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how much of each ingredient you end up swirling in. But roughly, one serving clocks in around 550 calories, with about 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!
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Irresistible Crockpot Loaded Steak And Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful steak and potato bake cooked in your crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Season steak cubes with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown steak cubes on all sides.
- Transfer browned steak to your crockpot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Stir in quartered baby red potatoes and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until steak and potatoes are tender.
- Before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and combined.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, steak, potatoes, bake, dinner, comfort food, easy recipe