Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty slow cooker steak and cheddar potato casserole promises comfort in every single bite.

Layers of tender meat and creamy potatoes create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cheese melts into golden pools across perfectly seasoned beef chunks.

Each forkful delivers rich, satisfying textures that make weeknight dinners feel special.

Meat lovers and potato enthusiasts will appreciate this no-fuss meal that practically cooks itself.

Give this delicious recipe a chance and watch it become your new dinner favorite.

Why Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Wins Hearts

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on effort.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with tender steak, creamy potatoes, and melted cheddar, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for hungry families.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimum stress.
  • Adaptable One-Pot Wonder: Easily customize with different seasonings or cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients Checklist for Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

Protein:
  • Steak: A hearty cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory flavor to the dish.
  • Thyme: Provides an earthy and herbal note to complement the steak.
  • Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet pepper flavor and warm color.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Liquid and Cheese:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich, moist cooking environment for the steak.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy element that melts beautifully over the potatoes.
Vegetables:
  • Potato Slices: Serve as a hearty, starchy base that absorbs the delicious cooking juices.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finishing touch to the casserole.

Preparing Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Meat Base

Toss tender steak pieces into the slow cooker. Add diced onions and minced garlic to create a flavor-packed foundation. Sprinkle in these aromatic seasonings:
  • Dried thyme
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour beef broth over the ingredients to help tenderize the meat and create a delicious cooking liquid.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Meat

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours. The goal is achieving melt-in-your-mouth tender steak that falls apart easily.

Step 3: Create the Potato Layer

Arrange thinly sliced potatoes directly on top of the cooked meat mixture. Generously shower the potato layer with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.

Step 4: Final Cooking Stage

Cover and continue cooking for 1-2 additional hours. This allows the potatoes to become perfectly soft and absorb all the delicious meat juices while the cheese melts into a golden blanket.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the casserole. This adds a bright, fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note to the rich, comforting dish. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker for maximum flavor and appeal.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

  • Select tough, marbled cuts like chuck or round steak for maximum tenderness and flavor in the slow cooker.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Reduce liquid by 1/4 cup if using a more tender steak cut to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
  • Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor without changing core recipe structure.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese and use gluten-free beef broth to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Variations to Customize Your Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

  • Southwestern Spice Upgrade: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap beef broth with red wine, add rosemary and oregano, layer with thinly sliced eggplant, and sprinkle feta cheese on top.
  • Smoky Bacon Infusion: Mix in crispy bacon bits, use smoked paprika instead of regular, and add a layer of caramelized onions between the steak and potatoes.
  • Creamy Mushroom Variation: Incorporate sliced mushrooms, use cream of mushroom soup instead of broth, and mix in sour cream for extra richness.

Best Pairings to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, savory steak flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese.
  • Create Fresh Green Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's heaviness and add refreshing texture.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare honey-glazed carrots or herbed roasted brussels sprouts to enhance the meal's depth and provide additional nutritional variety.
  • Enjoy with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the delicious beef broth and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy potato layers.

Storage Strategies for Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer or removing excess air.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

Answers to FAQs About Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

  • Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or round steak work well as alternatives to the original steak. Choose cuts that are budget-friendly and become tender when slow-cooked.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, you can slice raw potatoes directly into the slow cooker. They will cook perfectly with the steak and absorb all the delicious flavors during the cooking process.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.

  • How can I make the dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the initial seasoning step to increase the heat level according to your preference.

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Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes – 10 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker steak and cheddar potato casserole brings comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Layers of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Spices and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Marinate cubed steak with aromatic herbs and spices in the slow cooker, creating a rich, flavorful base for the casserole.
  2. Gently pour beef broth over the seasoned meat, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and submerged.
  3. Allow the meat to slow-cook at low temperature (195°F) for 6-7 hours, transforming tough muscle fibers into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.
  4. Arrange thin potato slices in a uniform layer across the tenderized meat, creating a hearty protective blanket.
  5. Generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the potato layer, allowing it to melt and create a golden, crispy topping during the final cooking stage.
  6. Continue cooking for an additional 90 minutes until potatoes reach a perfect fork-tender consistency.
  7. Remove lid and let casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.
  8. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface for a burst of color and bright herbal note.

Notes

  • Tenderize tough cuts of steak by choosing chuck or round steak, which become incredibly soft during slow cooking.
  • Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense alternative that adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Enhance flavor depth by searing the steak briefly before adding to the slow cooker, which creates a rich caramelized exterior.
  • For a low-carb version, substitute potato layers with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds while maintaining the same cooking technique.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-10 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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