Oh, you guys are going to *love* these loaded steak potatoes. Seriously, if you’re looking for that perfect, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, this is it. I remember the first time I made these – I was trying to use up some leftover steak and wanted something *more* than just a side of potatoes. What I ended up with was pure magic. It’s like the ultimate mashup of a juicy steak dinner and a loaded baked potato, all in one glorious package. It’s become my go-to when I need something truly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Steak Potatoes
Trust me, these loaded steak potatoes are a winner for so many reasons:
- Super Easy to Make: Even with steak involved, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
- Packed with Flavor: Tender steak, creamy potatoes, melty cheese – it’s a flavor explosion!
- Totally Adaptable: Use any steak you have, swap cheeses, or add your favorite toppings.
- A Complete Meal: It’s hearty enough to be the star of your dinner plate.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Loaded Steak Potatoes
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these incredible loaded steak potatoes, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. The better your ingredients, the better the final potato, so pick good stuff!
Essential Ingredients for Loaded Steak Potatoes
Here’s what you absolutely need to grab:
- Steak: About 1 pound. I love using sirloin or ribeye because they’re tender and flavorful, but honestly, whatever steak you have works! Just trim off any big chunks of fat and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Baking Potatoes: You’ll want two big ones, around 10-12 ounces each. Make sure they’re scrubbed really clean – we’re leaving the skins on for that ultimate loaded baked potato feel.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Half a cup. Sharp cheddar is my favorite here, but use what you love!
- Sour Cream: Just a quarter cup for that creamy, dreamy filling.
- Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped. These add a lovely fresh oniony bite. Make sure they’re fresh if you can find them!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for rubbing on the potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
Optional Toppings and Flavor Enhancers
Now, for the fun part – taking these loaded steak potatoes to the next level! If you want to really go wild, consider these:
- Bacon Bits: Because, bacon! They add a salty, smoky crunch that’s just divine.
- Chopped Jalapeños: If you like a little kick, some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) are fantastic.
- Extra Cheese: Maybe some Monterey Jack or a sprinkle of Parmesan? Go for it!
- A dollop of extra sour cream or Greek yogurt on top never hurt anyone!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loaded Steak Potatoes
Alright, let’s get these amazing loaded steak potatoes into your belly! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to bake. I like to get everything prepped first so it all comes together smoothly.
Preparing the Potatoes for Baking
First things first: the potatoes! We need to get these in the oven so they have plenty of time to get nice and tender. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab your two big baking potatoes, give them a good scrub under running water – seriously, get all that dirt off! Then, pat them dry. You’ll want to rub them all over with that tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning here; it really makes a difference! Once they’re oiled and seasoned, take a fork and pierce each potato a few times. This helps steam escape so they don’t explode (which has never happened to me, but Grandma always said to do it!). Pop them onto a baking sheet and let them bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily stick a fork or a knife into them – they should feel soft all the way through.
Cooking the Steak to Perfection
While those potatoes are doing their thing in the oven, let’s tackle the steak. Take your pound of steak, pat it dry with paper towels (this helps get a good sear!), and season it really well on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat – you want it nice and hot! Add your steak and cook it to your liking. For sirloin or ribeye, I usually go about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, but you do you! Once it’s cooked, take it out of the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This step is super important, I can’t stress it enough! Resting lets the juices redistribute, so you don’t lose all that delicious flavor when you slice it. After it’s rested, slice the steak into bite-sized pieces.
Assembling Your Loaded Steak Potatoes
Okay, oven-ready potatoes and sliced steak? We’re almost there! Carefully take the baked potatoes out of the oven. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the fluffy potato flesh into a medium bowl, leaving a sturdy shell behind. Be careful not to scoop too close to the skin, or your shells might break! Now, add the sour cream and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the scooped-out potato flesh. Mash it all together with a fork until it’s nice and creamy. Season this mixture with a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Spoon this delicious mashed potato mixture back into those potato shells. Pile on your sliced steak, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, followed by your chopped fresh chives.
The Final Bake to Melted Glory
We’re just about done! Now, we want to get all that cheese gooey and melty and just warm everything through. Pop the loaded potato halves back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven. They only need about 5 to 10 more minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be perfectly melted and maybe a little bubbly around the edges. Once they’re done, carefully take them out of the oven. Let them sit for just a minute or two before digging in, because that cheese will be super hot!
Tips for Perfect Loaded Steak Potatoes Every Time
You know, making these loaded steak potatoes is pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks really make them spectacular. It’s all about those small details that elevate a good meal to a *great* one. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I’m happy to share them so yours turn out just as amazing!
Selecting the Right Potatoes
For the best loaded steak potatoes, you really want to use starchy baking potatoes like Russets. They have that fluffy texture inside that’s perfect for mashing with the sour cream and cheese. Plus, their skins get nice and crisp when you bake them, which is exactly what you want for that classic loaded potato feel. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Achieving Tender Steak
The steak is a star here, so we want it to be super tender! Patting the steak dry before you season and cook it is crucial for getting a nice sear. And seriously, don’t skip the resting step after cooking! Letting the steak sit for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful. Slicing it against the grain also helps a lot with tenderness.
Getting the Creamy Potato Filling Just Right
When you scoop out the potato flesh, try not to over-mash it. You want it to be creamy but still have a little bit of texture, not like baby food! Adding the sour cream and cheese while the potato is still warm helps everything melt together beautifully. Taste as you go, too – a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in that creamy filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Steak Potatoes
Got questions about these loaded steak potatoes? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know you can tweak things or use what you have on hand.
Can I use leftover steak in this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover steak is honestly one of my favorite ways to make these loaded steak potatoes. Just slice it up and warm it through when you add it to the potatoes. It’s a fantastic way to give new life to dinner leftovers and save yourself some time!
What other cheeses work well for loaded steak potatoes?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a nice mild flavor. Pepper Jack adds a little kick. A sharp Provolone or even a bit of crumbled blue cheese can be amazing if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
How can I make loaded steak potatoes spicier?
Oh, if you like a little heat, you’re in luck! Adding some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) right into the potato filling or sprinkled on top is a great way to go. You could also mix a little bit of your favorite hot sauce into the sour cream and potato mixture, or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top with the cheese. Enjoy the warmth!
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Steak Potatoes
These loaded steak potatoes are such a hearty, complete meal on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, I’ve got a couple of ideas! And of course, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them tasting great.
Delicious Pairings for Loaded Steak Potatoes
Because these potatoes are so rich and satisfying, you don’t need much else. A simple crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is perfect to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also fantastic, adding a nice fresh veggie element without being too heavy. Honestly, though, they’re so good, they’re happy just being the star!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Loaded Steak Potatoes
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, let them cool completely before packing them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. To reheat, the oven is best! Pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can microwave them too, but they might lose a little of that perfect crispness from the skin. Either way, they’re still delicious!
Nutritional Information
Just a little note on the numbers you see for these loaded steak potatoes: they’re estimates! Your actual values might be a bit different depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the cut of steak or the type of cheese. It’s all part of the fun of home cooking!
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Loaded Steak Potatoes: 1 Amazing Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These loaded steak potatoes are a hearty and satisfying meal. They combine tender steak with creamy potatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (e.g., sirloin, ribeye)
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pierce with a fork.
- Bake potatoes for 50-60 minutes, or until tender.
- While potatoes bake, season steak with salt and pepper.
- Cook steak in a hot skillet to your desired doneness. Let rest, then slice.
- Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a shell.
- Mash the scooped potato flesh with sour cream and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells.
- Top with sliced steak, remaining cheese, and chives.
- Return to oven for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can use leftover steak.
- Add bacon bits or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded potato
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Loaded Steak Potatoes, steak and potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, beef, comfort food