Description
Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the perfect cozy comfort meal—crispy potato skins, juicy Cajun-seasoned steak bites, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce all come together for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
4 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tbsp sea salt
2 lbs steak (NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp minced garlic (about 8–10 cloves)
6 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (low sodium)
4 tbsp avocado oil, divided
1½ cups heavy cream
⅔ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
Juice of 2 lemon wedges
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425 °F (≈220 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub each russet potato all over with olive oil, then sprinkle sea salt on all sides.
- Place them directly on the lined baking sheet. Do not poke holes in them; the skin helps seal moisture in.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare the Steak Bites
- While the potatoes bake, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the steak and cut into ~2‑inch pieces.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil over the steak pieces (avocado oil handles high heat well).
- Generously coat the steak with Cajun seasoning.
- Warm a cast‑iron (or heavy) skillet over medium-high heat, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
- Add the steak bites in one even layer, letting them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, to get a good sear.
- Flip each piece once; cook 1 more minute, then reduce heat to low and cook an additional minute.
- Push the steak to one side of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic, sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Toss steak in the garlic-butter, coating all sides, for another minute or so.
- Remove steak to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm and moist.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet (with residual butter and garlic bits), add 2 more tablespoons butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Off the heat, add the parsley and lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.
4. Finish & Assemble
- Once the potatoes are done, lift and drop each potato from about 12″ off the baking sheet — this “wacks” the potato to loosen the interior, making it fluffy.
- Slice open the top of each potato lengthwise and use a fork to fluff the inside. Spread with any remaining butter.
- Evenly divide the steak bites into the four potatoes, spooning them inside.
- Generously drizzle the Parmesan cream sauce over each loaded potato. Serve immediately.
Notes
For medium steak, aim for 140–150°F internal temperature.
You can prep the steak and potatoes in advance.
Sauce thickens as it sits—add extra cream to loosen if reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded potato
- Calories: 920 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 54 g