When the weather turns chilly, or you simply crave a meal that wraps you in a warm, comforting embrace, there’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole. And this Hearty Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole delivers on all fronts! It’s a wonderfully layered dish featuring tender, seared steak, thinly sliced potatoes, sweet onions, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with bubbly melted cheddar. The magic of the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the potatoes to become incredibly tender. It’s truly Southern comfort meeting everyday convenience.

Why I Love This Recipe

This casserole has become a steadfast favorite in my home, especially on busy days when I want a satisfying dinner waiting for me. What I particularly love about it is the depth of flavor you get with minimal hands-on time. Searing the steak beforehand locks in that rich, beefy taste, which then permeates the entire dish as it slow cooks. The combination of savory steak, earthy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese is simply irresistible.

Beyond the incredible taste, the slow cooker aspect is a huge win. It allows for a long, gentle cook that ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender and the steak remains juicy. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers, becoming even more flavorful the next day.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting and easy slow cooker casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin or ribeye recommended), thinly sliced into strips
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Steak: While sirloin or ribeye are fantastic for tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or even chuck steak cut into thin strips. Just ensure it’s cut against the grain for tenderness.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness which helps absorb the flavors, but Yukon Golds would also work. Slice them as uniformly as possible for even cooking.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great bite, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even some smoked gouda, would be delicious.
• Sour Cream/Milk: For a richer casserole, use full-fat sour cream and whole milk. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream or a dairy-free alternative, though the texture might vary slightly.
• Herbs: Dried rosemary or a bay leaf could be added for additional aromatic complexity.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted for beef broth if needed.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the layering can add a nice warmth.

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Directions

This casserole comes together with a bit of stovetop prep, then the magic happens in the slow cooker!

1. Sear the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak strips to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This step is crucial for adding depth of flavor. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker – First Layer: Begin layering your ingredients in your slow cooker. Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Top this with half of the seared steak and half of the sautéed onions and garlic. Season this layer generously with salt, pepper, half of the paprika, and half of the dried thyme.
4. Layer the Slow Cooker – Second Layer: Add the remaining sliced potatoes to form a second layer. Follow with the remaining steak, onions, and garlic. Season this top layer similarly with the rest of the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
5. Prepare and Pour Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and beef broth until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring it seeps down through the potatoes.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking on low and slow is key for tender results.
7. Add Cheese & Finish: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and continue to cook for the remaining time, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, turn off the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!

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Pro Tips

• Uniform Slices: Try to slice your potatoes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the steak beforehand adds a critical layer of flavor that you won’t get if you just put raw steak in the slow cooker.
• Low & Slow: Patience is a virtue here! Cooking on low heat for the recommended time ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender and the flavors fully meld without overcooking the meat.
• Rest After Cooking: While not strictly necessary for a casserole, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the sauce to settle slightly before serving.
• Season Every Layer: Don’t just season the top! Seasoning each layer ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the entire casserole.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty casserole is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round it out perfectly.

• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or broccoli would add a nice touch of freshness and color.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Other Comfort Dishes: If you’re a fan of easy, hearty meals, consider serving this alongside a simple side from my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a truly satisfying spread. Or, for another cheesy delight, try my These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This casserole makes excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Individual portions can be easily reheated in the microwave. For larger portions or to retain some crispness, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. You can cover it with foil to prevent drying out, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to re-bubble.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes relatively well. Once completely cooled, cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make, and satisfying dishes, especially those that feature the magic of a slow cooker or oven, you’ll want to explore these other recipes:

• For another incredibly easy and crowd-pleasing casserole, check out my This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.
• If you love the convenience of a slow cooker for hearty meals, try my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast (which can often be adapted for slow cooking if you’re feeling adventurous!).
• For a different take on a comforting, one-pan meal, my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is a fantastic choice.

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Final Thoughts

This Hearty Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of warmth, comfort, and deliciousness waiting for you at the end of a long day. It’s the perfect solution for busy schedules, delivering a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting for a truly memorable dinner!

What are your go-to slow cooker comfort foods? Share your favorites in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that make life a little more flavorful.