If you’re looking for a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, then let me introduce you to my beloved Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole. This dish is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family. The tender steak mingles beautifully with creamy cheddar cheese and perfectly sliced potatoes, creating a comforting hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare! Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

What makes this recipe extra special is how effortlessly it brings everyone together. The rich flavors and hearty texture make it an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from family dinners to cozy gatherings. I promise, once you try it, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Layering the ingredients takes just minutes, freeing up your time for what really matters.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone loves cheesy potatoes! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to a deliciously cooked meal waiting for you.
Hearty and Satisfying: With steak and potatoes as the star ingredients, this casserole is filling enough to satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes cooking feel like a breeze! Here’s what you need for this delightful casserole:

For the Casserole

1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Seasoning

2 tbsp butter
Smoked paprika (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Salt (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Change the Cheese: Swap cheddar for gouda or mozzarella for a different cheesy experience.
Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Use Different Meats: Try substituting chicken or turkey if you’re looking for something lighter.

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

Step 1: Sear the Steak

In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the cubed steak seasoned with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Searing the steak not only enhances its flavor but also adds a lovely caramelized crust that brings depth to your casserole. Cook until browned on all sides before removing it from heat.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Follow this with half of the diced onion and minced garlic. Next, add the seared steak on top of these layers. Finish by adding the remaining potatoes, onions, and garlic. Layering helps ensure that all flavors meld beautifully as they cook together.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream

Pour one cup of beef broth and one cup of heavy cream evenly over all layers in your slow cooker. If you’d like an extra burst of flavor, feel free to sprinkle some additional salt and pepper here as well. This step is crucial because it keeps everything moist while allowing those wonderful flavors to combine during cooking.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Now comes one of my favorite parts! Sprinkle two cups of freshly grated cheddar cheese generously over the top of your layered masterpiece. The cheese will melt into gooey perfection as everything cooks together—can you smell it already?

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until those potatoes are tender enough to cut with a fork. The long cooking time allows all flavors to develop fully while making sure everything is cooked just right!

And there you have it—your homemade Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole! Enjoy every bite with loved ones around your dinner table; trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

Creating a delicious casserole that everyone will love is easy when you follow these helpful tips!

Sear the steak thoroughly: Browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker not only enhances its flavor but also adds a beautiful depth to your casserole.
Choose the right potatoes: Using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes ensures a creamy texture once cooked, making for a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Layer ingredients wisely: By layering ingredients properly, you ensure even cooking and prevent any one layer from becoming too mushy. Start with potatoes, then onions, followed by steak, and finish with more potatoes.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different; feel free to taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process for a flavor that’s just right for you!
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

This cozy dish is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Present it straight from the slow cooker for a homey feel or transfer it to an elegant serving dish for special occasions.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of this bright herb adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
Green onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese and beef, bringing an extra layer of taste to each bite.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green veggie adds a nice crunch and balances out the richness of your casserole. Simply steam until tender and season lightly with salt.
Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, making each meal even more enjoyable.
Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the hearty casserole.
Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots enhance the dish’s flavors while adding nutrition. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until tender.

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole with these delightful additions—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal throughout the week without hassle. Here’s how you can store it properly for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist while reheating, if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious casserole.

Can I use different types of cheese in Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a delightful flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend for added creaminess.

How do I ensure my Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole has enough flavor?

Don’t skip seasoning your steak before searing! Use salt, pepper, and smoked paprika generously. Adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can also enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Can I make Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy milk option mixed with a little cornstarch for thickness or use a blend of sour cream and broth for creaminess without dairy.

What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole?

This casserole is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables for balance.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

While this recipe relies on steak for its heartiness, you could replace the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole—it’s truly a comforting meal that brings everyone together. With its rich flavors and creamy layers, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up your weeknights with this comforting Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole. This hearty dish combines tender sirloin steak, creamy cheddar cheese, and perfectly sliced potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will love. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly serve up warmth on busy nights or during cozy gatherings. Layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and come home to a deliciously cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

Sear the cubed steak in a skillet with butter until browned.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by half of the onions and garlic, then add the seared steak. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and garlic.
Pour beef broth and heavy cream over the layers.
Top with grated cheddar cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.