This Easy Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is a warm and cozy dish! With tasty steak, creamy cheese, and soft potatoes, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
I love how hands-off this recipe is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days or a lazy weekend! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: You can use stew meat or any cut of steak you prefer. I like using chuck roast for its tenderness after slow cooking. If you’re on a budget, swap it with ground beef or skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect here for their fluffiness. For a healthier twist, you could use sweet potatoes, which add a nice sweetness to the dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you want to avoid canned ingredients, you can make homemade cream of mushroom soup or replace it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. It’s a versatile base that you can tweak according to your taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a lot of flavor, but you can use any cheese you love! Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheeses would work great too.
How Do You Ensure Tender Meat in the Slow Cooker?
Getting tender meat from the slow cooker is key to a successful casserole. Here are my tips:
- Use the right cut: Choose tougher cuts like chuck roast or stew meat that are better for slow cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Always opt for low cooking for 6-8 hours. It gives the meat time to break down and become tender.
- Don’t lift the lid: It’s tempting, but each time you lift the lid, steam escapes and slows down the cooking process!
- If in doubt, check: Once cooking is done, check if the meat breaks apart easily with a fork. If not, it may need a little more time.
These simple steps will help you achieve perfectly tender meat every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1½ to 2 pounds stew meat or steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s a perfect set-and-forget meal that allows you to come home to a warm, hearty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with oil or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier later!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the cubed potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you’re using onion, sprinkle the chopped onion on top of the potatoes. This layer forms the base of your casserole.
3. Add the Steak:
Now, take your bite-sized pieces of steak or stew meat and add them on top of the potatoes and onion. This allows the flavors to mingle as it cooks!
4. Combine the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the Mixture:
Carefully pour the soup mixture evenly over the meat and potatoes in the slow cooker. This sauce is what will keep everything nice and creamy.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the meat is cooked through and tender.
7. Add the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Its melty goodness is what makes this dish special!
8. Melt and Garnish:
Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes. If you like, you can garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, give it a gentle stir if desired, serve hot, and enjoy your comforting casserole full of tender meat, creamy potatoes, and cheesy delight!
This recipe makes a scrumptious meal that will warm you up from the inside out, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Meats for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While stew meat or steak is ideal, you can also use ground beef, shredded chicken, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for ground meats, which cook faster.
What Potatoes Work Best in This Recipe?
Russet potatoes are fantastic for this casserole because they become fluffy and absorb flavor well. Yukon Golds are also a great option as they hold their shape nicely. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t break down as well.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the casserole by layering everything in the slow cooker the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply plug in your slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry.
