Slow Cooker Steak and Cheesy Potato Bake

by

🥩 Slow Cooker Steak and Cheesy Potato Bake

📖 Description

This Slow Cooker Steak and Cheesy Potato Bake is the definition of comfort food done right. Tender, slow-cooked steak is layered with thinly sliced potatoes, smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, and gently cooked until everything melts together into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner to basically cook itself.

⏱️ Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

  • Total Time: ~7 hours

  • Servings: 6 generous servings

🛒 Ingredients

Steak Layer

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) beef steak (sirloin, flank, or chuck), cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Potato Layer

  • 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

Cheesy Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1½ cups heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter option)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped parsley or green onions

  • Extra cheese for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Season the Steak
    Toss steak pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  2. Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear steak for 1–2 minutes per side. This adds depth but can be skipped if short on time.

  3. Make the Cheese Sauce

    • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

    • Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.

    • Slowly whisk in cream, stirring until thickened.

    • Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cheeses. Stir until smooth.

  4. Layer the Slow Cooker

    • Lightly grease the slow cooker.

    • Add half the potatoes and onions.

    • Add all the steak.

    • Top with remaining potatoes and onions.

    • Pour cheese sauce evenly over everything.

  5. Cook

    • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

  6. Serve
    Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Slice potatoes thin and evenly so they cook at the same rate.

  • Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor—it holds up better in slow cooking.

  • If sauce seems thin at the end, remove lid and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes.

  • Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.

  • For extra richness, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 30 minutes.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 520

  • Protein: 34 g

  • Fat: 32 g

  • Carbohydrates: 32 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Calcium: ~25% DV

  • Iron: ~20% DV

(Values vary based on exact ingredients and portions.)

🌟 Health Benefits

  • High in protein to support muscle repair and satiety

  • Calcium-rich for bone health

  • Potatoes provide potassium for heart and muscle function

  • Slow cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness without extra fats

Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes! Chuck roast works great for extra tenderness, while flank steak offers a leaner option.

Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes—cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze up to 2 months.

Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use whole milk instead of cream, reduce cheese slightly, and choose lean steak.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—swap flour for cornstarch (1 tbsp) or a gluten-free thickener.

Leave a Comment