This Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender steak, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese, it makes for a hearty meal everyone will love.
You just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax while it does the work! I can’t resist a cheesy bite, and I’ll bet you can’t either. Who needs a fancy dinner out? 😄
I often serve this with a simple salad on the side. It’s so easy to make, and cleanup is a breeze! Plus, it’s the perfect dish for chilly nights when comfort food is a must!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Chuck or sirloin works great. If you’re looking for leaner options, consider tenderloin. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, swap steak for mushrooms or a meat substitute like tempeh or jackfruit.
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes, as they hold their shape well. If you’re avoiding potatoes, turnips or cauliflower are tasty alternatives that work well in casseroles.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to use mild cheddar or a cheese blend. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or vegan cheese alternatives.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can use homemade mushroom soup for a fresher taste, or substitute with cream of chicken or a plant-based cream if you’re looking for something different.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked in the Casserole?
Getting tender potatoes without them turning mushy is key. To help, cut them into uniform pieces, around 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly. Make sure to layer them well with the steak to allow flavor mixing.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl before adding to the slow cooker for better distribution of flavors.
- Cook on low for a longer time (6-8 hours) to gently soften the potatoes without overcooking.
Slow Cooker Steak And Cheddar Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb steak (such as chuck or sirloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. So it’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a hearty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by taking your steak and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Then, peel the potatoes and dice them into cubes as well. Dice the onion into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the steak cubes, diced potatoes, and diced onion. Season this mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Load the Slow Cooker:
Now it’s time to place the steak and potato mixture into your slow cooker. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it cooks nicely.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the steak and potatoes in the slow cooker, making sure to cover everything well. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, then cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4. Cooking Time:
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the steak is fully cooked through. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
5. Adding the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole in the slow cooker. Cover it again and allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and everything is hot, it’s time to serve. Spoon the hearty casserole onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your warm and comforting steak and cheddar potato casserole!
Can I Substitute the Steak for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground beef instead of steak for a different texture and flavor. Just brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to render some fat and enhance the flavor. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly since ground beef cooks faster.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with an equal amount of homemade mushroom sauce or even cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, a mix of sour cream and some chopped mushrooms can work well too!
How Can I Store Leftover Casserole?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or heat in the oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth during reheating can help keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even green beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase the cooking time by a little to ensure everything is tender.
