There’s something undeniably satisfying about a hearty, meat-and-potatoes dish—especially when it’s packed with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and savory steak, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is the epitome of comfort food, delivering rich, deep flavors with almost no hands-on work.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or cozy family dinners, this dish combines tender steak bites, golden potatoes, caramelized onions, and a creamy cheese sauce—all layered and slow-cooked to perfection. Plus, it’s topped with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese for that irresistible loaded-baked-potato experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Set it and forget it – Just layer ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
✅ Packed with flavor – Juicy steak, cheesy potatoes, and smoky bacon in every bite.
✅ Feeds a crowd – Great for family dinners or potlucks.
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses affordable cuts of steak (like sirloin or chuck).
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or roasted garlic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak & Potato Bake:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (or red potatoes)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or mushroom broth for deeper flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
For Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
- Extra shredded cheese (for melting on top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Cut steak into bite-sized cubes and pat dry.
- Dice potatoes (no need to peel) and slice onions.
2. Layer in the Crockpot
- First layer: Potatoes, onions, and minced garlic.
- Second layer: Steak cubes on top.
- Seasonings: Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Liquid: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until steak and potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce (Last 30 Minutes)
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and shredded cheeses until smooth.
- Pour over the steak and potatoes in the Crockpot, stirring gently.
5. Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional)
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and bacon, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra bacon.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Slow Cooking = Tender Steak & Perfect Potatoes
The low-and-slow method ensures fall-apart tender steak and creamy potatoes without overcooking.
2. The Cheese Sauce Takes It Over the Top
Unlike dry casseroles, this dish stays lusciously creamy thanks to the rich cheese sauce.
3. Easy Customization
- Spicy version – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Mushroom lovers – Sauté mushrooms with the onions.
- Lighter option – Swap half the potatoes for cauliflower.
Tips for the Best Results
🔹 Use starchy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red) – They hold shape but become creamy.
🔹 Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth.
🔹 Thicken the sauce (if needed) – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp broth, stir in at the end.
🔹 Let it rest – Allowing it to sit for 10 minutes helps the sauce set.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 With a side salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🥖 Garlic bread or rolls – Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
🍺 Game-day feast – Serve alongside wings or sliders for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prep ahead – Chop veggies and steak the night before.
- Store leftovers – Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge (reheat with a splash of broth).
- Freeze – Portion and freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers minimal effort with maximum satisfaction.