This hearty Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is a dream come true! It’s filled with tender steak, creamy potatoes, and loads of melted cheddar cheese. Yum!
Making this casserole is a breeze. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Talk about a win-win! 😄
The best part? When it’s ready, the cheesy goodness will warm your heart and fill your belly. I love serving it with a side salad for a tasty dinner that’s easy to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is the heart of your casserole! You can use chuck roast cut into cubes for a more tender outcome. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try chicken breast or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture. However, Russet potatoes work well too. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, consider cauliflower as a substitute—but note that it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice punch to the dish. If you want something milder, go for medium cheddar, or try a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda. Vegan cheese alternatives are available if you’re avoiding dairy!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you can’t find this, you can make a quick homemade version using milk, flour, and mushrooms. Alternatively, cream of chicken or vegetable soup also fits nicely.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Tender and Flavorful?
For the best tender beef, it’s important to sear the cubes before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step enriches the beef’s flavor. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip this and let the slow cooker do all the work!
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil.
- Brown the beef on all sides to seal in the juices (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- This enhances the flavor, but remember to not overcrowd the pan—do this in batches if needed.
Let everything cook low and slow in the slow cooker (6-7 hours on low). This longer cooking time allows the meat to become fork-tender while melding all those delicious flavors together!
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 6-7 hours of cooking time on low or 4-5 hours on high in your slow cooker. Just set it and forget it, letting the ingredients meld beautifully for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Meat:
In a large bowl, combine the beef stew meat with the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish!
2. Start Layering:
Layer half of the diced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, top this layer with half of the seasoned beef mixture. It creates a nice base for your casserole!
3. Mix the Soup Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of this creamy mixture over the first layer in the slow cooker, helping all the flavors combine beautifully.
4. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture. Finish by pouring the last bit of the soup mixture on top. This makes sure everything stays moist and delicious!
5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. The longer the cook time, the more tender the beef will be!
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly—this is where the magic happens!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked and the cheese is melted, garnish your casserole with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish with your loved ones!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works great, you can also use chuck roast, brisket, or even sirloin. Just ensure they’re cut into similar 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. If using a leaner cut, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade mixture of sour cream, milk, and seasoning. To make it from scratch, mix 1 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup milk and a dash of mushroom seasoning if you have some on hand.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as it may need a bit longer since it starts cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in individual portions. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
