Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is the answer. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with everything you love about comfort food — tender steak, cheesy potatoes, and that irresistible slow-cooked flavor.
What makes this dish stand out is how effortlessly it comes together. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying casserole that tastes like you’ve been tending to it all day. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how tender the steak turned out — it literally fell apart with a fork. After a few tweaks to the seasoning and cheese blend, it became one of my family’s go-to dinners.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend meal or a set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner, this recipe brings comfort to the table every time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Substitutions
- Beef: Use chicken or pork if preferred, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for variety.
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds stay creamy, but sweet potatoes or cauliflower slices work for a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese, coconut milk, and dairy-free sour cream.
Instructions / Method
- Brown the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef cubes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if short on time. - Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the inside of your slow cooker lightly with oil or cooking spray. Layer half the sliced potatoes at the bottom. - Add the Meat and Onions
Place the browned steak pieces on top of the potatoes, followed by the diced onion and garlic. - Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and half the shredded cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. - Layer and Cook
Top with the remaining potatoes, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. - Finish and Serve
Once cooked, stir gently to combine all the cheesy goodness. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Total Time: 6–7 hours (mostly hands-off)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours
Servings: 6–8 servings
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for freshness
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
- A dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of extra cheese for richness
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen steak or potatoes?
It’s best to use fresh ingredients for the best texture, but thawed frozen steak or pre-sliced frozen potatoes can work in a pinch.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Add carrots, peas, or green beans in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Sirloin, chuck, or stew meat work well since they become tender during slow cooking.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives a creamier texture.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are soft.
How do I make it lighter?
Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of cream for a healthier version without losing flavor.
A Little Comfort from My Kitchen
Some recipes simply wrap you in warmth — this one does exactly that. The tender beef, creamy potatoes, and golden cheese come together in the coziest, most satisfying way. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?”
Serve it family-style, scoop by scoop, and watch how quickly the dish disappears. It’s not just food — it’s comfort, simplicity, and home in every bite.
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or stew meat cubed
- 2 lbs potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef until browned on all sides (optional but adds flavor).
- Grease the slow cooker and layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Add the browned beef, onions, and garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk beef broth, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and half the cheese. Pour over beef and potatoes.
- Add the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Gently stir before serving, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
Add carrots or peas in the last hour for extra flavor and color.
For a lighter version, use light sour cream and low-fat cheese.
