Steak Bites on Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

Steak bites on loaded baked potatoes combine the juicy, tender goodness of perfectly seared steak with the comforting, hearty flavor of a loaded baked potato. The crispy skin of the potato is complemented by a fluffy interior topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a variety of seasonings, all crowned by tender steak bites that soak in the flavors of the delicious toppings. This dish makes for a satisfying, indulgent meal perfect for dinner, date nights, or gatherings.

In this recipe, we will take you through every step, from preparing the baked potatoes to making perfectly cooked steak bites and assembling the entire dish. Along the way, we’ll offer tips, tricks, and variations to make sure you can tailor it to your preferences.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baked Potatoes

1.1 Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, wash and scrub the russet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, poke several holes in each potato to allow steam to escape while baking. This will prevent them from bursting in the oven.

1.2 Coat with Oil and Salt: Rub each potato with a thin layer of olive oil, ensuring they are fully coated. Sprinkle salt generously over the potatoes. This will give the skins a nice, crispy texture and enhance the flavor.

1.3 Bake the Potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes, or until a fork or skewer easily slides into the center of the potato. To ensure even cooking, you can flip the potatoes halfway through.

1.4 Check for Doneness: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before cutting them open. This makes them easier to handle.

2. Cook the Steak Bites

2.1 Prepare the Steak: While the potatoes are baking, prepare your steak. You can use any cut of beef, but cuts like sirloin or ribeye work particularly well because of their balance of tenderness and flavor. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a nice sear. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).

2.2 Season the Steak: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the steak cubes, tossing them to ensure each piece is coated with the spices.

2.3 Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the steak to steam rather than sear. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).

2.4 Add Butter for Finish: When the steak bites are cooked to your liking, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Swirl the pan to coat the steak bites with the melted butter for a rich, flavorful finish. Remove from heat and set the steak bites aside.

3. Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes

3.1 Cut Open the Potatoes: Once the baked potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, make a lengthwise slit down the center of each potato. Gently squeeze the ends of the potato to fluff the insides. Use a fork to mash the inside slightly, creating a well for the toppings.

3.2 Add Toppings: Start by spooning a generous amount of sour cream into each potato. Then, add the crumbled bacon, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the potato will slightly melt the cheese, making it ooey-gooey and delicious.

3.3 Top with Steak Bites: Spoon the freshly cooked steak bites directly onto the loaded baked potatoes. You can either spread them out evenly across the top or create little piles, depending on how meaty you want each bite to be.

3.4 Garnish and Season: Sprinkle the green onions over the top of the steak bites and potato, adding a burst of color and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve and Enjoy

4.1 Serve Immediately: Serve the steak bites on loaded baked potatoes while they’re still hot. These loaded potatoes are a perfect main dish for a hearty meal or can be served alongside a green salad for a more balanced plate. Enjoy with a cold beverage, like a beer or iced tea, for a fantastic meal experience!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Dish

1. Choosing the Best Steak: While cuts like sirloin and ribeye are great for steak bites due to their tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or filet mignon. The key is to cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and sear it quickly to retain its juiciness.

2. Perfectly Baked Potatoes: For extra crispy potato skins, you can brush the potatoes with a bit of butter after they come out of the oven. This gives the skins a golden, glossy finish that enhances both flavor and texture.

3. Customizing the Toppings: The toppings for these baked potatoes can be adjusted according to your preferences. You can swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Gouda, or even blue cheese. If you prefer spicy, try adding some jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

4. Add Veggies: Feel free to load up your baked potatoes with extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. These will add more flavor and texture to the dish while keeping it balanced.

5. Use Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t eat bacon, you can substitute it with crispy pancetta, turkey bacon, or even a vegan bacon alternative to still achieve that crispy, smoky flavor.

Variations to Consider

1. Spicy Steak Bites on Loaded Baked Potatoes:

To give this dish a spicy kick, marinate the steak cubes in a mixture of chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Top the potatoes with a drizzle of spicy ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Vegetarian Loaded Potatoes with Tofu:

For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the steak bites and instead use marinated and sautéed tofu cubes. You can also substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese.

3. BBQ Steak Bites on Loaded Potatoes:

For a Southern twist, toss the steak cubes in your favorite BBQ sauce after searing them. This will give the steak bites a smoky, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the loaded baked potatoes.

4. Mediterranean Style Loaded Potatoes:

If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean flavors, try topping the baked potatoes with grilled lamb cubes instead of beef steak, and use tzatziki sauce instead of sour cream. Add some olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill for a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

Steak bites on loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich flavors and textures in one dish. The crispy, fluffy potato paired with the juicy, tender steak bites and the melty cheese and bacon creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings. This recipe is easily customizable and can be made to suit a variety of tastes, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy creating this fantastic dish, and share it with family and friends for a memorable dining experience!

Yield: 4

Steak Bites on Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

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Steak bites on loaded baked potatoes combine the juicy, tender goodness of perfectly seared steak with the comforting, hearty flavor of a loaded baked potato. The crispy skin of the potato is complemented by a fluffy interior topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a variety of seasonings, all crowned by tender steak bites that soak in the flavors of the delicious toppings. This dish makes for a satisfying, indulgent meal perfect for dinner, date nights, or gatherings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Loaded Baked Potatoes:
• 4-6 medium russet potatoes (depending on serving size)
• Olive oil (for coating)
• Salt (for sprinkling)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• For the Steak Bites:
• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a towel.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
4. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

1. While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides but still tender. Be careful not to overcook the steak.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce (optional) for additional flavor.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes

1. Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork to create space for the toppings.
3. Drizzle melted butter into the potato, then top each one with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits (optional), and green onions.

Step 4: Add Steak Bites and Serve

1. Spoon the cooked steak bites on top of each loaded baked potato.
2. Garnish with any extra green onions or sour cream if desired.

Notes

• For even more flavor, you can marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you’re making this for a crowd, you can prepare the baked potatoes ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
• You can also use other cuts of steak, such as ribeye or New York strip, for a more tender bite.
• If you like your potatoes extra crispy, after baking, you can place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
• For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese over the potatoes and broil them for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.