Name: Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484882H12M3S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds sirloin steak, cubed; 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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A hearty and comforting dish that combines tender sirloin steak, creamy potatoes, and all the classic loaded potato toppings in one delicious slow-cooked meal. This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake brings together the best of two favorites—steak and loaded baked potatoes—for a satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is the ultimate hands-off comfort food that delivers big on flavor without requiring much effort. You'll love how the slow cooking process tenderizes the steak to perfection while allowing the potatoes to absorb all the savory flavors. The combination of melted cheese, and ranch seasoning creates a crave-worthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sirloin steak is the protein star of this dish, becoming incredibly tender through the slow cooking process. It's flavorful enough to stand up to the other ingredients while still absorbing the seasonings nicely. You can substitute chuck roast or even stew meat if needed, but sirloin offers the best balance of tenderness and flavor.

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape during long cooking while still becoming perfectly soft inside. Their starchy quality helps thicken the dish naturally as it cooks. You can substitute Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture if preferred.

Onion adds a sweet, aromatic base flavor that permeates the entire dish. It mellows beautifully during slow cooking and creates depth in the sauce.

Beef broth provides the moisture needed for slow cooking while adding rich, meaty flavor. Use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake, as the ranch seasoning and cheese already contribute saltiness.

Sour cream creates the signature creamy tanginess of a loaded baked potato. It's stirred in at the end to prevent curdling during the long cooking time.

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the top, creating that irresistible stretchy cheese pull when served. Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but mild works well too, especially for kids.

Ranch seasoning mix is the secret ingredient that ties everything together with its herbaceous, savory profile. It's a convenient way to add multiple flavors at once.

Green onions provide a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish. They add color and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Directions

Place the cubed steak, diced potatoes, and chopped onion in the Crockpot.
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients and stir in the ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the steak is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
Once cooked, stir in the sour cream and top with shredded cheddar cheese .
Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

This hearty dish makes 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. The prep time is just 15 minutes, while the cooking time is 6-7 hours on the low setting of your Crockpot. The total time comes to about 6 hours and 15 minutes, though most of that is hands-off cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, providing a satisfying and complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Southwest Version: Add a diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, and substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar. Top with cilantro instead of green onions.

Mushroom Lover's Option: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the other ingredients for an earthy flavor boost.

Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.

Garlic Herb Variation: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary for an herb-forward flavor profile.

Italian Twist: Substitute Italian seasoning for the ranch mix and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese blend instead of cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers before freezing for easy single-serving meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat portions in a microwave at 70% power, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size). You can also reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Make Ahead Option: You can prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer everything to your Crockpot and start cooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast, stew meat, or even round steak. Just remember that fattier cuts like chuck will become more tender during slow cooking, while leaner cuts might not be quite as succulent. If using a tougher cut, consider cutting the meat into smaller pieces.

My Crockpot cooks hot. Should I adjust the cooking time?

Absolutely. If you know your slow cooker runs hot, check the dish after 4-5 hours on low. The dish is ready when the steak is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but still hold their shape.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives. Substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese that melts well. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What can I do if my finished dish is too watery?

If you find your dish has too much liquid after cooking, you have a few options. You can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook this on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-7 hours. However, cooking on low yields more tender meat and allows the flavors to develop more fully, so it's the preferred method if time allows.

Is there a way to add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or corn make excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables like carrots at the beginning of cooking, and more delicate ones like bell peppers in the last 1-2 hours to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of a mix?

Yes, if you prefer to avoid packaged mixes, you can make your own ranch seasoning with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk powder. About 2 tablespoons of homemade mix will work perfectly.

What sides go well with this dish?

This is essentially a complete meal, but a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty bread makes a nice accompaniment if you want to round out the meal.

Can I prep the ingredients the night before?

Yes, you can cube the steak, dice the potatoes (store in water to prevent browning), and chop the onions the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble in the Crockpot in the morning for a super-efficient start to your day.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake is comfort food at its finest—combining the hearty satisfaction of a steak dinner with the indulgent toppings of loaded baked potatoes. It's the perfect solution for busy families who want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful feast that's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food recipe.