When the leaves start to turn and the crisp air of fall settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home to the aroma of a hearty meal simmering away in the slow cooker. That’s exactly what makes this slow cooker steak and cheddar potato casserole so perfect—it’s rich, warm, and wonderfully low-effort.
This dish was inspired by a family Sunday tradition, where my grandmother would turn simple ingredients like steak, potatoes, and cheese into pure magic. Slow-cooked until the steak is fork-tender and the potatoes melt in your mouth, this casserole is a hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- One-pot simplicity – Toss it in the slow cooker and forget it.
- Family-friendly flavors – Steak, cheddar, and potatoes are a crowd-pleasing combo.
- Hearty and filling – Perfect for chilly nights or big appetites.
- Make-ahead magic – Even better as leftovers!
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6½ hours (set it and forget it!)
🍽️ Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1½ lbs sirloin or chuck steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1. Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season steak with salt and pepper, then sear on each side for 1–2 minutes to lock in flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Build the Base
Add chopped onion, garlic, thyme, and paprika to the slow cooker. Layer sliced potatoes over the steak mixture.
3. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, and 1½ cups of cheddar. Pour this mixture over the potatoes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in cornstarch.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until steak is tender and potatoes are fully cooked.
5. Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top and cover for 5–10 minutes until melted.
6. Serve and Garnish
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
🧀 Tips for Perfect Results
- Slicing matters: Thin, even potato slices cook best in slow cookers.
- Don’t skip searing: It adds deep flavor and a more appealing texture to the steak.
- Layer wisely: Put steak and onions at the bottom for even cooking.
- Customize creaminess: Add a little cream cheese or swap milk for heavy cream if you like it extra rich.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Add veggies: Carrots, mushrooms, or frozen peas work well.
- Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning, green chiles, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Breakfast version: Use hash browns and breakfast sausage instead of steak.
- Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower or turnips.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 18% DV
🥗 Best Served With…
- A side salad with balsamic dressing
- Buttered green beans
- Garlic knots or crusty artisan bread
- Apple crisp or pumpkin pie for dessert
🔗 More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Cheesy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
- Steak and Potato Soup
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Sirloin, chuck, or even stew meat work well. Just avoid cuts that dry out quickly.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Absolutely. Layer everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place it in the cooker and start.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your cornstarch, broth, and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes! Layer in a casserole dish and bake covered at 350°F for 60–75 minutes, or until bubbly and tender.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda or gruyère are excellent alternatives for richer flavor.
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole : Comfort Dish
- Total Time: About 6½ hours (set it and forget it!)
Description
When the leaves start to turn and the crisp air of fall settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home to the aroma of a hearty meal simmering away in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs sirloin or chuck steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season steak with salt and pepper, then sear on each side for 1–2 minutes to lock in flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add chopped onion, garlic, thyme, and paprika to the slow cooker. Layer sliced potatoes over the steak mixture.
In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, and 1½ cups of cheddar. Pour this mixture over the potatoes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in cornstarch.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until steak is tender and potatoes are fully cooked.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top and cover for 5–10 minutes until melted.
Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Slicing matters: Thin, even potato slices cook best in slow cookers.
- Don’t skip searing: It adds deep flavor and a more appealing texture to the steak.
- Layer wisely: Put steak and onions at the bottom for even cooking.
- Customize creaminess: Add a little cream cheese or swap milk for heavy cream if you like it extra rich.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
