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Cheesy Steak Potato Casserole

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Cheesy steak and potato casserole melds juicy beef, golden potatoes, and sharp cheddar in a single slow-cooked dish. Steak cubes are browned for depth, then layered with fresh onions, garlic, and thinly sliced potatoes. Cream and beef broth infuse richness as the casserole cooks gently, letting the flavors thoroughly combine. Melting cheese crowns the top, creating a bubbly, golden finish after hours of simmering. With minimal hands-on time, this slow cooker meal delivers comfort and ease—ideal for busy nights or family gatherings. Serve warm and let the hearty aroma fill your kitchen.

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Casey
Updated on Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:04:17 GMT
A plate of food with cheese and potatoes. Pin it
A plate of food with cheese and potatoes. | cookingwithcasey.com

Imagine coming home to the irresistible smell of steak and cheddar bubbling away in your kitchen This cheesy steak and potato casserole is pure comfort food and it is my go to when I need a hearty family dinner with almost no prep Just toss it together in your slow cooker and let the magic happen

I fell for this recipe one winter night when my kids had a snow day and now it is our happiest snowed in tradition Every time I make it the house just feels extra cozy

Ingredients

  • Sirloin or ribeye steak cubes: You get richer flavor and a melt in your mouth bite Seek out well marbled cuts for extra tenderness
  • Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: They soak up all the creamy sauce and hold their texture well Choose firm unblemished potatoes for best results
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that gooey cheesy finish and bold taste Grate from a block for superior melting
  • Heavy cream: Brings richness and silkiness to the casserole Look for fresh cream without additives
  • Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps everything moist Use low sodium if you want more control over saltiness
  • Onion: Sweetens the dish and builds flavor Pick firm onions with shiny skin
  • Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch Fresh cloves are always best
  • Butter: Helps brown the steak and adds even more flavor Go for real butter not margarine
  • Smoked paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and a bit of color Spanish smoked paprika is nice but any will do
  • Black pepper: Balances the richness Choose freshly cracked for spice
  • Salt: Brings everything together Taste and adjust for your family

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Steak:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat Add steak cubes that you have seasoned with salt black pepper and smoked paprika Sear on all sides turning every one to two minutes until deeply browned This takes around five minutes and develops that deep meaty flavor
Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Cut your potatoes into thin even slices about one eighth inch thick Place half in the bottom of your slow cooker Scatter half the diced onion and minced garlic over the potatoes Put all the browned steak over this first layer Spread the remaining potatoes onion and garlic on top
Pour and Season:
Combine beef broth and heavy cream in a measuring cup Slowly drizzle this mixture all over your layers so every bit gets moist Sprinkle with another small pinch of salt and pepper to finish the seasoning
Top with Cheese:
Take your grated cheddar and spread it evenly across the entire top of your mixture Press lightly to help it stay in place It should cover the potatoes completely
Cook Low and Slow:
Put the lid on your slow cooker Set it to low and cook for six to eight hours or to high for three to four hours You want the potatoes to yield easily to a fork and the cheese to turn golden and bubbly After cooking let it rest with the lid off for ten minutes so the sauce can thicken
A close up of a casserole dish with meat and potatoes. Pin it
A close up of a casserole dish with meat and potatoes. | cookingwithcasey.com

I always use extra smoked paprika for its cozy flavor and when we gather for Sunday dinner everyone fights for those cheesy edges It reminds me of childhood family reunions where casseroles meant sharing and laughter

Storage Tips

This casserole cools and stores well Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container They will keep fresh for up to three days For longer storage portion the casserole and freeze up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If ribeye or sirloin is out of reach chuck steak or stew beef works fine for a comforting budget meal Monterey Jack is a nice substitute or blend for cheddar Sweet potatoes give a sweeter slightly earthier twist

Serving Suggestions

All you really need is a crisp simple salad or some green beans on the side For extra flair sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives right before serving A crusty slice of bread is perfect for mopping up the cheesy sauce

Cultural and Historical Notes

Casseroles like this have their roots in home kitchens across America where resourceful cooks combined meat potatoes and cheese for easy hearty family meals The slow cooker version takes inspiration from classic meat and potato bakes but skips the fuss thanks to modern convenience

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent soggy potatoes in the casserole?

Slice potatoes thin and evenly, then layer them so they cook through without becoming mushy. Resting after cooking helps thicken the sauce.

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely. While sirloin or ribeye give tenderness, chuck or stew beef offer a budget alternative. Just ensure you still brown the cubes.

→ How can I get the cheese topping golden?

Keep the lid slightly ajar for the last 15 minutes. This lets steam escape, helping the cheese brown without overcooking the potatoes.

→ Is it possible to prepare in advance?

You can prep all ingredients ahead. Store them separately, then assemble and cook when ready for best texture and freshness.

→ Which potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal for their texture and ability to hold shape. Feel free to try sweet potatoes for a twist.

Cheesy Steak Potato Casserole

Steak, cheddar, and potatoes meld into a hearty, flavorful slow-cooked casserole perfect for cozy evenings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 7 Servings (One 4.5-liter casserole serving approximately 6-8 portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 800 g sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 2 cm cubes
02 1 kg russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
03 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
04 180 ml heavy cream
05 240 ml beef broth
06 1 medium yellow onion, diced
07 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 40 g unsalted butter
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

Step 01

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the steak cubes with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer browned steak to a plate.

Step 02

Arrange half the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter half the diced onion and minced garlic over the potatoes. Distribute all browned steak cubes in an even layer, then top with remaining potatoes, onion, and garlic.

Step 03

Pour beef broth and heavy cream evenly over the layers. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and additional black pepper if desired.

Step 04

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly across the top layer.

Step 05

Cover and cook on low setting for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is golden. Allow to rest uncovered for 10 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

  1. Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure uniform texture throughout the dish.
  2. For optimum melt and flavor, grate cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
  3. Browning the steak before slow cooking is essential to develop a deep, savory base.
  4. Substitute chuck steak or stew beef for a more cost-effective preparation.
  5. Monterey Jack may be used in combination with cheddar or as a substitute for part of the cheese.
  6. Sweet potatoes offer an alternative to Yukon Gold for a mildly sweet twist.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Slow cooker (minimum 4.5 liters)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and dairy (cheese, heavy cream, butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 35 g