Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites

1. Prepare the Baked Potatoes:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Potatoes:
Scrub the russet potatoes clean, then pat them dry. Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil, and season the skin generously with salt and pepper.
Bake the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
Season the Steak:
In a small bowl, toss the steak bites with olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the Steak Bites:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the steak bites in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring it around with the steak. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes:
Prepare the Potatoes for Filling:
Once the potatoes are baked, carefully slice them open lengthwise, creating a pocket. Fluff the inside of the potato with a fork and add a pat of butter to each one.
Add Toppings:
Spoon sour cream into each potato, followed by a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with Steak Bites:
Top each loaded potato with a portion of the steak bites, ensuring a good balance of flavors in each bite.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve:
Serve these loaded baked potatoes hot, garnished with extra chives if desired. Enjoy the combination of the creamy, cheesy potato with the flavorful steak bites!
Tips for Success:
Steak Cut: Sirloin is a great choice for this dish, but you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for an even more luxurious meal.
Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potato skin, rub the potatoes with a bit of oil and salt, then bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Steak Doneness: Be sure to not overcook the steak bites—medium-rare to medium is perfect for juicy, tender bites.
Conclusion:
This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the ultimate comfort meal, combining all the best flavors of a loaded baked potato with the delicious addition of seared steak. Whether for a family dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!