If comfort food had a greatest hits album, this Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole would absolutely be on track one. Imagine fork-tender bites of juicy steak nestled between layers of golden potatoes, all smothered in oozy, sharp cheddar cheese with just the right touch of creaminess and warming spices. This dish practically makes itself in your slow cooker, freeing you up to do whatever makes your day brighter. It’s the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that brings everyone running to the dinner table, whether it’s a cozy family night or you just want to spoil yourself with something incredible and cheesy.

Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this dish comes from a handful of everyday ingredients, each pulling its weight to build big flavor and luscious texture. These components work together for maximum comfort—don’t skip any, as each one plays a starring role in making Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole so utterly irresistible.

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 ½ lbs, cubed): Go for a flavorful, tender cut—sirloin or ribeye transforms into melt-in-your-mouth bites after hours in the slow cooker.
Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (4 large, thinly sliced): Potatoes soak up all the cheesy, savory goodness and provide that classic, hearty casserole texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, freshly grated): Freshly shredding your own cheddar melts smoother and packs unbeatable flavor versus pre-shredded.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds decadent richness to the sauce, giving each bite a creamy backdrop.
Beef Broth (1 cup): Deepens the savory notes and keeps everything moist as it slow cooks.
Onion (1 medium, finely diced): Sautéed onion lends subtle sweetness and a savory backbone throughout the casserole.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because a little garlic always takes things up a notch with its aromatic kick.
Butter (2 tbsp): Perfect for searing the steak and building those flavorful, browned bits before slow cooking.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and gorgeous color that sets this casserole apart.
Black Pepper: For subtle heat and depth—crack it fresh if you can!
Salt: The great flavor enhancer—use generously, but taste as you go!

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high, add the butter, and let it sizzle. Season your cubed steak generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear them in batches. Get a beautiful brown crust on all sides—you’re unlocking incredible, deep flavors here that the slow cooker alone just can’t replicate. Take a moment to enjoy how amazing your kitchen smells already!

Step 2: Layer Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic in the Slow Cooker

Layer half your potato slices neatly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter on half the diced onion and minced garlic. This aromatic base will mellow and sweeten as it cooks, giving you mouthwatering results from just a handful of veggies.

Step 3: Add the Steak and Finish the Layers

Gently pile your beautifully seared steak over the first layer, juices and all. Top with the remaining potatoes, onion, and garlic, creating layers that’ll meld together in the most delicious, fork-tender way.

Step 4: Pour Over the Cream and Broth

Pour the beef broth and heavy cream evenly over the stacked-up layers. This step makes the casserole ultra-creamy once slow cooked, infusing every bite with rich, savory warmth. Sprinkle an extra touch of salt and pepper if your soul says yes.

Step 5: Top with Cheddar Cheese

Now comes the best part—scatter the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese all over the top. Don’t be shy! This blanket of cheese melts into a gorgeous, bubbly crown as the casserole cooks, perfectly balancing the savory steak and tender potatoes underneath.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Cheesy, Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are meltingly tender and the steak is ultra-juicy. The anticipation is real, but just wait until you lift the lid and see all that gooey cheddar—worth every minute!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a sprinkle of fresh chives, sliced green onions, or finely chopped parsley. Each adds a pop of color and a little fresh flavor to cut through the cheesy richness. For an extra treat, a dollop of sour cream or some crispy fried onions on top make fantastic finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simply steamed green beans or broccoli to lighten things up. Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are always welcome to swipe up the last bits of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or top each portion with a poached or fried egg for a decadent brunch twist. Sometimes, I ladle leftovers into a baked potato or spoon it onto slider buns for an irresistible sandwich version that’s just as fun as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining all those scrumptious creamy and cheesy layers.

Freezing

For longer storage, Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole freezes very well! Portion out cooled casserole into freezer-friendly containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For the tastiest reheated servings, cover loosely and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, just use a lower power setting so the cheese stays creamy. If things look a little dry, splash in a bit of extra cream or broth as it reheats to revive that velvety magic.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye give you super tender results, chuck roast or stew meat also work well with a longer cook time to break down and become just as succulent in the casserole.

Is it okay to substitute another cheese for sharp cheddar?

You can swap in other melt-friendly cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère, but sharp cheddar’s tanginess really shines in Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole. Feel free to try combos for your own cheesy signature!

Do I have to sear the steak first?

Searing isn’t strictly required, but those caramelized edges add so much extra flavor. If you’re in a time crunch, you can skip it, but if you can spare a few extra minutes, your taste buds will definitely thank you.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prep and layer everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop the insert into your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you go about your day.

Is Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole gluten free?

It sure is! None of the ingredients contain gluten, so you can serve this up worry-free to gluten-sensitive guests—just double-check your beef broth to be certain.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a bubbling serving of Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole—and knowing it required almost no hands-on time makes it even sweeter. I hope this cozy, cheesy classic finds its way into your dinner rotation soon. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and bask in the warm, savory goodness—there won’t be leftovers for long!