Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is about to become your new favorite dinner.
I love how the tender halal beef sirloin mingles with creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar, creating layers of flavor that develop over hours of slow cooking.
The combination of sour cream, beef broth, and those perfectly seasoned potato slices? Pure magic.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to come home to the aroma of garlicky, savory goodness waiting for you?
What Ingredients are in Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole?
This slow cooker recipe combines tender beef, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, savory sauce that develops incredible flavor over several hours of cooking. The ingredient list might look long at first glance, but don’t worry—most items are kitchen staples you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator. And trust me, the depth of flavor they create together is absolutely worth it.
- 2 pounds halal beef sirloin steak or chuck, cut into bite-size cubes
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s halal)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning steak)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your beef makes a real difference. I recommend using halal sirloin for its tenderness, but chuck works beautifully too and often costs less. For the cheddar, choose a sharp variety that will stand up to the long cooking process—mild cheese tends to get lost among the other flavors. And those russet potatoes? They’re perfect here because they hold their shape while still absorbing all that wonderful sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your family’s taste preferences; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice subtle heat if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more kick.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Let’s start by preparing our beef. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 2 pounds of bite-sized beef cubes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. We’re just looking to sear the meat until it’s nicely browned on all sides—not cook it completely.
This quick browning step makes all the difference, creating those delicious caramelized flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
While your skillet is still warm, you might want to quickly sauté 1 medium thinly sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant—though this step is optional if you’re short on time.
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1½ cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and your seasonings (1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder). This creates the creamy, savory sauce that will work its magic during the slow cooking process.
Now for the fun part—assembly! Grease your slow cooker, then create alternating layers starting with a third of your peeled and thinly sliced potatoes, followed by a portion of the browned steak, some of your sauce mixture, and a sprinkle from your 2 cups of shredded cheddar.
Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Before serving, give it a gentle stir to distribute that velvety sauce, and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Who needs fancy restaurant food when you can make something this comforting at home?
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While our basic recipe creates a mouthwatering classic, the beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility.
Don’t have sirloin? Chuck roast, ribeye, or even ground beef work wonderfully.
Vegetarians can swap in mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Sweet potatoes bring a delightful twist to the traditional russet base, while dairy-free folks might try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
I sometimes add bell peppers when I’m craving color, or toss in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes.
Spice lovers, throw in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Ever tried it with smoked gouda instead of cheddar? Game-changer.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Looking for the perfect companions to serve alongside your hearty Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole?
I’ve found that a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. My family goes wild for simple steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts too—the slight bitterness balances all that cheesy goodness.
For bread lovers, a crusty sourdough or garlic bread works wonders for sopping up that incredible sauce.
Oh, and don’t forget a tangy coleslaw! The cool crunch creates that perfect textural contrast to the tender steak and creamy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
After making this Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole countless times, I’m convinced it’s one of those magical recipes that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.
What I love most is how versatile it is—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
The leftovers? Even better the next day when the flavors deepen.
Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe season after season.
The combination of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese creates that soul-satisfying feeling we all crave from home cooking.
It’s become my go-to when I need something reliable yet special.
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Optional: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Grease the slow cooker. Create layers using: ⅓ of the sliced potatoes, portion of browned steak, sauce mixture, and shredded cheddar. Repeat layers twice more, ending with cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and beef is very soft.
- Before serving, gently stir to distribute sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
