Hearty Slow-Cooker Steak and Potato Bake
This hearty slow-cooker steak and potato bake features tender sirloin or chuck steak, diced potatoes, and savory seasonings, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- large skillet
- slow cooker
- small bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped large
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic, minced cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides (2-3 minutes per side); remove and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Place the diced potatoes in your slow cooker, then top with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Distribute the seared beef over the potatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the steak is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the bake, re-cover, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Ladle into bowls and, if desired, garnish with cooked bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
For best results, searing the beef first adds a deeper flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika.