Slow Cooker Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole

Indulge in a cozy, hearty meal where tender beef meets creamy potatoes and melted cheddar—all made effortlessly in one slow cooker. With minimal prep, this dish offers maximum flavor, perfect for busy evenings or relaxed family dinners. The seared steak enhances depth, and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy finish adds that comforting touch.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-pot, easy cleanup
• Rich blend of steak, cheese, and tender potatoes
• Hands-off cooking—ideal for busy schedules
• Family-friendly and deeply satisfying

Ingredients

• 680 g beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-size pieces (well-marbled for best flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold for great texture)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 240 ml beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 150 g shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts better)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear until nicely browned (about 3–4 minutes), then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Layer the Base
   Add potatoes, onion, garlic, seared beef, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Set & Cook
   Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
4. Cheesy Finish
   About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, cover, and allow to melt.
5. Garnish & Serve
   Remove lid, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme, and serve hot directly from the slow cooker.

Pro Tips & Extras

• Flavor boost: Searing the beef adds a delicious crust, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
• Even cooking: Cut potatoes uniformly so they soften evenly.
• Cheese matters: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than store-bought pre-shredded.

Storage & Variations

• Leftovers: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Freezer-friendly: Portion and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Substitutions:
  • Swap in sweet potatoes, if desired.
  • Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a twist.
  • Add frozen peas or corn with the cheese for extra veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this warming casserole as-is, or pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttered green beans for a balanced meal.