Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the slow cooker pot, the tantalizing aroma of the Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole wafted through my kitchen, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. This delightful dish is my go-to for chilly evenings or when I crave a hearty meal without the fuss of complicated prep. With just a bit of slicing and a little patience, you can enjoy layers of tender steak and creamy potatoes perfectly melded with rich cheddar cheese—truly comfort food perfection. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to dive into this warm, cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking! Why is this casserole a must-try? Simplicity at Its Best: This slow cooker recipe makes meal prep a breeze and requires just a few simple steps. Comfort in Every Bite: Layers of tender steak and creamy potatoes mingled with gooey cheddar create a rich, heartwarming flavor that feels like a hug. Versatile Options: Switch up the flavors by trying a Tex-Mex Fiesta or a Mushroom Lover’s variation to keep things exciting! Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a refreshing salad or crusty bread to mop up every delicious drop. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before, and let your slow cooker work its magic, freeing you up to enjoy your evening. Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole • 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak – This is your primary protein, offering rich flavor; consider substituting with flank steak for a leaner option. • 4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – Essential for creaminess; Russets create fluffiness, while Yukon Golds lend a buttery texture. • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – Adds that gooey, rich flavor; opt for freshly grated cheese to prevent graininess; Gruyère works well as a substitute. • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) – Provides a luscious sauce; you can swap this for evaporated milk for a lighter touch. • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth – Enhances moisture and flavor; chicken broth can be used for a different taste profile. • 1 medium onion (finely diced) – Brings sweetness and depth; shallots can be a milder alternative. • 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Perfect for an extra flavor boost; optional if you want to skip garlic. • 2 tbsp butter – Used for searing steak; olive oil is a lighter substitute. • ½ tsp smoked paprika – Imparts a warm, smoky flavor; swap with regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste. • Salt & pepper to taste – Crucial for seasoning; adjust according to your preference. Optional Toppings • Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish before serving. • Extra shredded cheddar – For a cheesy finish; consider using a mix of cheeses for added complexity. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Step 1: Sear the Steak In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pat the 1½ lbs of steak cubes dry and add them to the skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they develop a rich brown crust. This essential step deepens the flavors of your Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole, creating a savory foundation for the dish. Step 2: Layer It Up Once the steak is seared, it’s time to build your casserole! In your slow cooker, create the first layer with half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the finely diced onion, a portion of the seared steak, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients for a hearty, delightful experience. Step 3: Creamy Finish In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. Add the minced garlic for an aromatic touch if desired. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring every layer gets moistened. This rich sauce is what makes your Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole irresistibly creamy and luscious. Step 4: Slow Cook Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Resist the urge to peek too often, as keeping the lid on helps maintain the ideal cooking temperature, resulting in a perfectly tasty casserole. Step 5: Rest & Serve After cooking, allow the Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. This resting period lets the sauce thicken and the flavors settle. When ready to serve, scoop generous portions into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs or extra melted cheese for a delightful touch. Enjoy the warmth and comfort brought by this delightful meal! Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Variations Feel free to elevate your casserole experience with these exciting twists designed to delight your taste buds! Tex-Mex Fiesta: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add corn and diced jalapeño, then top with creamy avocado for a spicy kick. The flavors will dance on your palate, making dinner feel like a fiesta! Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté creminis with onions and substitute Gruyère for cheddar to infuse earthy richness. This variation brings a luxurious depth that’s perfect for mushroom enthusiasts. Lightened-Up Version: Use lean flank steak, evaporated milk instead of cream, and half the cheese for a healthier option that still delivers on flavor. Enjoy all the comfort with less guilt! Breakfast-for-Dinner: Replace steak with cooked breakfast sausage and sprinkle some scrambled eggs for a delightful morning twist. It’s a fun and hearty way to switch up your routine! Potato Swap: Substitute sweet potatoes for Russets and add a hint of cinnamon for a unique sweet and savory combination. This will offer a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cool nights. Veggie Delight: Add colorful bell peppers, zucchinis, or spinach for a vibrant and nutritious variation. These vegetables bring freshness and additional flavors to your casserole. Herbed Essence: Infuse fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill into the layers for an aromatic lift that enhances the comfort factor of your dish. The fragrance alone is enough to draw everyone to the table! Creamy Spinach & Artichoke: Incorporate spinach and marinated artichokes in place of some potatoes for a creamy, tangy twist inspired by the classic dip. This variation is rich and satisfying! For even more tasty ideas on using potatoes, check out my recipes for Smashed Potato Salad and Cheesy Potato Taquitos. Enjoy exploring these variations and creating your version of a cherished classic! Expert Tips for Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Sear for Flavor: Searing the steak is critical for deeper flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it adds a rich complexity to your casserole. Slice Evenly: Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly (about 1/8-inch) for even cooking and a creamy texture. Uneven slices can lead to some being crunchy while others are soft. Prep Ahead: Layer your ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Just add the creamy mixture in the morning before you start the slow cooker. Check Cooking Time: If potatoes are still crunchy, reassess the cooking time and thickness of slices. Overcrowding the slow cooker can also affect how evenly everything cooks. Rest for Best Results: After cooking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Fridge: Store your casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label each bag with the date for easy reference. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in the oven at 350°F with a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole again! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Are you ready to elevate your comforting casserole experience with delightful pairings that bring out the best flavors? Fresh Arugula Salad: This light salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the casserole, offering a refreshing bite. Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for perfect sauce-mopping moments, ensuring you savor every rich drop of your casserole. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots drizzled with honey and thyme provide a pop of color and a naturally sweet contrast to the savory casserole. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an ultra-comforting experience, pair with creamy garlic mashed potatoes to create layers of indulgence and flavor. Steamed Broccoli: A simple steamed broccoli side adds a fresh crunch and brightens the meal, complementing the creamy textures beautifully. Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine beautifully accentuates the savory steak flavors while making any dinner feel extra special and luxurious. Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, a warm chocolate lava cake provides a sweet finish that contrasts perfectly with the savory layers of your casserole. It all comes together to create a delightful dining experience, perfect for cozy nights in! Make Ahead Options These Steak & Cheddar Potato Casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prep everything up to 24 hours in advance by layering the potatoes, steak, and cheese in your slow cooker, then refrigerating until you’re ready to cook. Simply whisk together the cream and broth mixture and pour it over the layers just before cooking to maintain that irresistible creaminess. This method not only saves you time but also ensures your casserole is just as delicious when cooked. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, allowing you to enjoy a cozy meal effortlessly! Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right steak for this casserole? Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using sirloin or ribeye steak, as they provide rich, tender bites. If you prefer a leaner option, flank steak also works well. Look for cuts with some marbling, as this will enhance the flavor as it cooks. How should I store my leftovers? Very well! You can store your Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain its freshness and flavor. Can I freeze the casserole, and how would I do that? Yes, absolutely! To freeze your casserole, portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to label each bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it creamy and delicious. What if my potatoes are still crunchy after cooking? If you find that your potatoes are crunchy, it may be due to slices being uneven or overcrowding in your slow cooker. Ensure they are sliced thinly (about 1/8-inch), and try not to overload the cooker. If they still aren’t tender, you can return the casserole to the slow cooker for an additional hour on low until they reach the desired softness. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes, of course! If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to adjust the recipe accordingly. You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter option or use low-sodium beef broth for a healthier flavor base. It’s also a great idea to check if your guests have any allergies, especially to dairy or gluten based on the ingredients. Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole for Cozy Comfort Nights No ratings yet This Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and effortless meal prep. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 7 hours hrsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 7 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak Consider substituting with flank steak for a leaner option.4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes Russets create fluffiness, while Yukon Golds lend a buttery texture.2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) Opt for freshly grated cheese to prevent graininess; Gruyère works well as a substitute.1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) You can swap this for evaporated milk for a lighter touch.1 cup low-sodium beef broth Chicken broth can be used for a different taste profile.1 medium onion (finely diced) Shallots can be a milder alternative.2 cloves garlic (minced) Optional if you want to skip garlic.2 tbsp butter Olive oil is a lighter substitute.0.5 tsp smoked paprika Swap with regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste.Salt & pepper To taste.Optional ToppingsFresh herbs (like parsley or chives) Adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish before serving.Extra shredded cheddar Consider using a mix of cheeses for added complexity. Equipment slow cookerSkilletmedium bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pat the 1½ lbs of steak cubes dry and add them to the skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they develop a rich brown crust.In your slow cooker, create the first layer with half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the finely diced onion, a portion of the seared steak, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. Add the minced garlic if desired. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra melted cheese. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg NotesSearing the steak enhances the flavor, and ensure potatoes are sliced evenly for best results. Prep ahead by layering ingredients the night before. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
