Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying: A perfect combination of crispy baked potatoes and tender, flavorful steak.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or even sautéed mushrooms.
- Great for meal prep: You can prepare the potatoes and steak ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled savory meat
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Directions
- Prepare the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, poke holes with a fork, and rub them with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender.
- Cook the steak bites: While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook the steak bites for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the inside with a fork. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each potato and let it melt.
- Add toppings: Top each potato with the steak bites, crumbled meat, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Serve and enjoy! These loaded baked potatoes are best served warm and fresh.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Cheese lovers: Add extra shredded cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for added heat.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions for more depth of flavor.
- Lighter version: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked potatoes without toppings. Wrap them in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a different flavor and texture.
2. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are great choices because they stay tender and juicy.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the potatoes and cook the steak bites in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
4. What other toppings can I add?
Avocado, jalapeños, sautéed onions, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce are delicious options.
5. How do I make the steak bites extra tender?
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting and avoid overcooking for the best texture.
6. Can I cook the potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. What’s the best way to reheat loaded baked potatoes?
The oven works best for keeping the texture, but the microwave is quicker for reheating.
8. Can I use ground meat instead of steak bites?
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef or shredded beef makes a great substitute.
9. How do I get a crispy potato skin?
Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil before baking helps achieve a crispy texture.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make it lactose-free.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy potatoes, juicy steak, and flavorful toppings for the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to customize and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the ultimate comfort meal! A perfectly baked potato is stuffed with juicy, seasoned steak bites, melted cheese, tender smoked meat, sour cream, and green onions. It’s an easy and hearty dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, diced smoked meat (such as turkey or beef strips)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then rub them with olive oil and salt.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
-
Cook the Steak Bites:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter.
- Season the steak bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove from heat.
-
Prepare the Toppings:
- Cook the smoked meat of choice until crispy or warmed through, then chop into small pieces.
-
Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Slice the baked potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the potato and let it melt.
- Add the steak bites, then top with the smoked meat, sour cream, and green onions.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
