Few meals can match the satisfying combination of juicy steak, fluffy potatoes, and melted cheese. A Loaded Steak Potato takes this pairing to the next level, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed masterpiece. Imagine a perfectly baked potato piled high with tender steak bites, creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fresh chives—it’s everything you love about comfort food in one dish. The first time I made this, I used leftover grilled steak and it tasted like a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It’s filling, easy to prepare, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This loaded steak potato recipe brings together the best flavors of a steakhouse dinner in one satisfying dish. It’s customizable, comforting, and incredibly indulgent. The creamy potato base absorbs the steak’s juices and buttery topping, creating a rich flavor experience. Plus, you can make it as simple or extravagant as you like—use leftover steak, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses.
Loaded Steak Potato – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Loaded Steak Potato is a hearty and satisfying meal featuring tender, juicy steak pieces served over baked or mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s the perfect comfort food for steak and potato lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, poke holes with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until tender inside and crispy on the outside.
- While potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the steak cubes.
- Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Add butter to the pan and toss the steak in the melted butter for extra flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once potatoes are cooked, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese, steak pieces, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use mashed potatoes or baked potato halves for serving.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle with cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip are great choices. Cook them to your preferred doneness, then slice or cube them into bite-sized pieces.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for baking because of their fluffy interior and crisp skin. You can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, nutritious twist.
Olive Oil: Brushed on the potato skins before baking to achieve a crisp, golden texture.
Butter: Melted butter enhances the flavor of both the steak and potatoes, giving that rich, satisfying taste.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch that balances the creamy and cheesy components.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory toppings. I sometimes substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Green Onions or Chives: Freshly chopped for garnish, they add color and a mild, sharp flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the steak and potatoes perfectly.
Garlic Powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth to the butter mixture or steak rub.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and rub them with olive oil and salt. Bake directly on the rack for about 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and the insides tender. While the potatoes bake, cook the steak—season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear it in a hot skillet with butter until golden and cooked to your liking. Let the steak rest before slicing into small pieces. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add butter, cheese, and a few pieces of steak, then return them to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove and top with sour cream, bacon bits, and chives. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 60 minutes, and total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Steak Potato: Add a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet kick.
Philly Cheesesteak Style: Mix in sautéed onions, peppers, and provolone cheese.
Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Garlic Butter Steak Potato: Toss the steak bites in garlic butter before topping the potato.
Vegetable Boost: Add roasted broccoli, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition.
Breakfast Version: Top with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheddar.
Tex-Mex Style: Add salsa, guacamole, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty upgrade.
Creamy Ranch Potato: Mix ranch dressing with sour cream for a tangy, herby flavor.
Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle blue cheese over the hot steak for a gourmet twist.
Sweet Potato Swap: Use baked sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich version.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye or sirloin are excellent because they stay tender and flavorful after cooking.
Can I use leftover steak?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover grilled or roasted steak.
Can I microwave the potatoes instead of baking?
You can, but baking gives the skins a crisp texture and richer flavor.
What cheese melts best for loaded potatoes?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt beautifully too.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the steak and bacon, and load up on veggies or plant-based protein.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Rub the skins with olive oil and salt before baking directly on the oven rack.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely—they add a nice sweetness and extra nutrients.
How do I store leftover steak potatoes?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Can I prep the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat before adding toppings.
What sides go well with loaded steak potatoes?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Loaded steak potatoes are the definition of indulgent comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This dish combines everything you love in a steakhouse meal into one hearty, satisfying bite. Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking from scratch, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you crave something rich and comforting. Once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular meal rotation in no time.
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