Description
This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. The baked potato is topped with tender, flavorful steak bites, and then loaded with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. The combination of juicy steak and creamy potato is both indulgent and filling, making it a comforting yet high-protein meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 pound steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut): Cut into bite-sized pieces. Choose a tender, flavorful steak for the best results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the steak bites and adding a touch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To season the steak and enhance its flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For added depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the steak.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): For an herbal note to complement the steak.
For the Loaded Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes: These are the classic choice for baked potatoes, with their fluffy interior and thick skin.
- Olive oil: For rubbing on the potatoes to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Kosher salt: For sprinkling over the potatoes before baking, which helps to crisp the skin and season them.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A classic topping for baked potatoes, melted and gooey over the steak and potatoes.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a tangy contrast to the richness of the steak and cheese.
- 4 slices bacon: Cooked and crumbled, adding a smoky crunch to the potatoes.
- 1 bunch green onions: Thinly sliced, for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Fresh parsley or chives: For garnish and added freshness.
Optional Toppings:
- Jalapeños: Thinly sliced, for a spicy kick.
- Avocado slices: For a creamy, cool contrast to the heat of the steak and seasoning.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a bit of extra heat.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE BAKED POTATOES
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting the skins of the potatoes crispy while cooking the insides to a fluffy perfection.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This will give the skin a nice crispy texture.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily slides into the center of the potatoes.
Second Step: COOK THE STEAK BITES
- Prepare the Steak: While the potatoes are baking, cut your steak into bite-sized cubes. Season the steak pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using).
- Cook the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE LOADED BAKED POTATOES
- Cut Open the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the open potatoes. The residual heat will help melt the cheese. If you like your cheese extra melted, you can pop the potatoes back into the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese further.
- Top with Steak Bites: Spoon the cooked steak bites on top of each potato, spreading them out evenly so each bite gets a little piece of steak.
- Add the Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream to each potato, followed by crumbled bacon, green onions, and any additional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or parsley.
- Serve: Serve the loaded baked potatoes immediately, either as a main dish or alongside a salad or other sides for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 60g