Crockpot Loaded Beef and Potato Bake

Crockpot Loaded Beef and Potato Bake 🥔🥩🧀

This Crockpot Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—tender beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe delivers rich flavors and cozy vibes in every bite.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, cheesy casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set It and Forget It : The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
2. Hearty & Comforting : Packed with tender beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese.
3. Customizable : Add veggies, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep : Great for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : A hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb beef steak (ribeye or sirloin ), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large potatoes , peeled and diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Optional toppings : green onions, bacon bits, extra cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Cut the beef steak into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper .
2. Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic .

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

1. In a large slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes on the bottom.
2. Add the beef pieces evenly over the potatoes.
3. Sprinkle the diced onion , minced garlic , thyme , and smoked paprika over the beef and potatoes. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3: Add Liquids

1. Pour the beef broth over the layered ingredients to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours , or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese

1. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream to create a creamy base.
2. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover the slow cooker again to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn off the slow cooker.
2. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions or bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness of this Loaded Beef and Potato Bake !

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Beef : Ribeye or sirloin works best for tenderness and flavor. Trim excess fat if needed.
2. Even Potato Dicing : Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Add Veggies : Stir in diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the dish (without cheese) for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding fresh cheese before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Crockpot Loaded Beef and Potato Bake pairs beautifully with:

• Green Salad : A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any juices.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
• Red Wine : Pair with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~320 kcal
• Protein : ~20g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, it’s a recipe that’s both easy to love and simple to make.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, add veggies, or experiment with different cheeses to make it your own. So grab your slow cooker, toss in those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.