Nothing says hearty, comforting, and downright delicious like the Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole. This recipe takes juicy steak, tender potatoes, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon and bakes them together into a bubbling, flavor-packed dish that will win over friends, family, and just about anyone with a fork. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or looking for a simple weeknight win, this casserole brings a western-inspired punch you’ll want to make again and again.

Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole is how simple but essential the ingredients are. Every single item adds flavor, color, or texture, creating a casserole that’s both inviting and irresistible from the very first bite.

Steak (1 lb sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces): Steak gives the casserole its undeniably hearty, cowboy-approved flavor and juicy richness.
Baby potatoes (1 1/2 lbs, quartered): These little potatoes soak up all the savory flavors while developing crispy golden edges.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): A light toss in olive oil ensures the potatoes get beautifully browned and tender throughout baking.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Just a splash adds that deep, savory zing and brings out the best in the steak.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): For a hint of smoky warmth that instantly elevates the whole dish.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): This adds a gentle, mellow garlic flavor that mingles perfectly with the beef.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Onion powder gives a subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning blend.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out every bold and nuanced flavor in your casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gloriously gooey golden layer that ties everything together.
Cooked bacon, crumbled (1/2 cup): Adds a smoky, salty crunch in every bite—it’s a must!
Green onions, sliced (1/4 cup): For a fresh pop of color and a gentle sharpness that brightens the finish.
Sour cream (1/4 cup, optional for serving): A cool dollop makes each bite creamy and decadent, if you’d like.

How to Make Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by getting your oven ready—preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven works its magic, prep your steak by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and quartering your baby potatoes. This step sets you up for a smooth, mess-free assembly later on.

Step 2: Season the Steak

In a large bowl, toss your steak pieces with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Giving the steak a generous, even toss ensures all that savory seasoning clings to each chunk for maximum flavor once baked.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Grab another bowl and add the quartered potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then toss well so every piece gets a light, even coating. The olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven, while the salt enhances their natural flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

Spread your prepared potatoes in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Pop them into the hot oven for 20 minutes. This first bake lets them start to soften and develop golden edges while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Steak and Bake

Remove the baking dish from the oven and give the potatoes a quick stir. Now, layer the seasoned steak over the top and return the dish to the oven for another 15–18 minutes. This step cooks the steak just right while the potatoes finish getting tender and delicious.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bacon

When the steak is cooked to your liking and the potatoes are perfectly soft inside, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese all over, followed by crumbled cooked bacon. Slide the dish back into the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey blanket.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole bubbles and oozes with cheese, take it out and shower it with sliced green onions. For the final flourish, serve each portion with a spoonful of sour cream if you want a cool, creamy contrast.

How to Serve Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole

Garnishes

There’s something about finishing touches that transforms a humble casserole into a show-stopper. A handful of fresh green onions gives a welcome pop of color and a gentle bite, while a dollop of sour cream adds creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy layers of your Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole. For a little extra flair, you can always scatter on some chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika for dramatic effect.

Side Dishes

This casserole is already incredibly filling, but pairing it with the right sides makes the meal feel special. Consider serving a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some buttered green beans for freshness. If you’re really in the cowboy spirit, a skillet of cornbread or some baked beans make the ultimate rustic accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, rustic presentation, try serving your Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole right out of the baking dish at the center of the table—let everyone dig in family-style. Or, dish up individual portions in mini cast iron pans for a western twist. You can even scoop out spoonfuls onto plates, topping each with extra bacon, a pile of green onions, or, for a surprise, a drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), store your Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers or even a whole batch for later! Allow the casserole to cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion of your Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, for 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. For individual pieces, the microwave works fine—use a microwave-safe container, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts until hot. Add a touch more shredded cheese or fresh green onions to perk it up, if you like.

FAQs

Can I substitute the steak with another protein?

Absolutely! While steak is classic in Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole, you can use cubed chicken breast, ground beef, or even leftover roast beef—just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your protein is cooked through and tender.

What’s the best way to ensure the potatoes are cooked through?

Quartering baby potatoes keeps them bite-sized and helps them cook evenly. Par-baking the potatoes before adding the steak gives them a head start, ensuring everything finishes cooking at the same time and comes out perfectly tender.

Can I make Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep and assemble the casserole (except for the cheese and bacon topping) up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then add cheese and bacon just before the final bake for the freshest results.

How can I make the casserole even more flavorful?

If you want to kick things up, try adding chopped jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or use a sharper cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor. Swapping in barbecue sauce for some of the Worcestershire is also a smoky, tangy upgrade.

Is Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce and other packaged ingredients if you’re serving someone with a gluten allergy, as some brands may contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something filling, fun, and full of big, bold flavors, Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole is the dish to try. It’s comfort food at its best—quick to assemble, family-friendly, and sure to impress at any gathering. Give it a go tonight, and watch it become a new favorite around your table!

Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender steak bites, flavorful baby potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s a perfect one-dish meal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak:

1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Potatoes:

1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes (quartered)
1 tbsp olive oil

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Steak: Toss the steak pieces with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Prepare Potatoes: Toss potatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
Bake Potatoes: Spread potatoes evenly in the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
Add Steak: Remove from oven, stir potatoes, and add seasoned steak over the top. Bake for an additional 15–18 minutes until potatoes are tender and steak is cooked.
Finish Dish: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon, return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.