Savor the ultimate steak dinner with this mouthwatering Juicy Grilled Steak with Loaded Baked Potatoes recipe! Perfectly grilled steak, seasoned to perfection, pairs seamlessly with golden-brown baked potatoes loaded with creamy sour cream, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood to indulge in a comforting, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 ribeye or sirloin steaks (6-8 oz each, about 1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish

For the Loaded Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Potatoes:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake Potatoes: Wash the potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and wrap each in foil. Bake directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
3. Prepare the Filling: Once baked, carefully slice each potato lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl. Leave a thin layer of potato to support the skin.
4. Mix the Filling: Mash the scooped-out potato with butter, sour cream, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy. Stir in half the cheese and half the bacon.
5. Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, top with remaining cheese, and return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.

For the Steak:

1. Season the Steaks: Rub the steaks with olive oil, then evenly coat them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill Steaks: Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness using a meat thermometer:
   • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
   • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
4. Rest Steaks: Remove from heat and let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 steak with 1 loaded baked potato

• Calories: ~680 kcal
• Protein: ~42 g
• Fat: ~36 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~15 g
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g
  • Sugars: ~3 g
• Fiber: ~4 g
• Cholesterol: ~135 mg
• Sodium: ~720 mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Juicy Grilled Steak with Loaded Baked Potatoes recipe has a lot to love:

1. Restaurant-Quality Steak at Home: Grilling the steak to perfection with a flavorful spice blend ensures a deliciously crusted exterior and juicy, tender interior.
2. The Ultimate Comfort Food: Loaded baked potatoes are the perfect companion, offering creamy, cheesy indulgence with a hint of smoky bacon and fresh chives.
3. Customizable: Adjust the seasonings, toppings, or doneness of the steak to suit your preferences.
4. Balanced Meal: This dish provides a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it both satisfying and filling.
5. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve excellent results.

The Art of Grilling the Perfect Steak

Grilling steak may seem intimidating, but mastering it is easier than you think. Here are key points to ensure success:

1. Choosing the Right Cut: Ribeye and sirloin steaks are great options for grilling due to their marbling and tenderness. Ensure the steaks are about 1-inch thick for even cooking.
2. Seasoning: The combination of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the steak’s natural flavors. For an herbaceous note, add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.
3. Grill Temperature: A medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a seared crust while keeping the interior juicy.
4. Cooking to Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness:
   • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
   • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
5. Resting the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This step lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender, flavorful bite.

The Comfort of Loaded Baked Potatoes

A loaded baked potato is the perfect side dish to accompany a juicy steak. The fluffy potato interior mixed with butter, sour cream, and cheese creates a creamy base that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, golden skin.

• Toppings Galore: Classic toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions bring richness and texture to the dish. Feel free to customize with jalapeños, caramelized onions, or even chili for a twist.
• Balance of Flavors: The savory elements are balanced by the freshness of green onions or chives, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
• Golden-Brown Perfection: Baking the potatoes twice—first to cook them and then to melt the cheese—ensures a golden, bubbly topping.

Perfect Occasions for This Dish

This recipe is versatile and fits into a variety of occasions:

1. Family Dinners: A hearty and filling option for a special family meal.
2. Celebrations: Elevate birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays with this steakhouse-style dish.
3. Backyard BBQs: Grill the steaks outdoors and enjoy them with baked potatoes fresh from the oven.
4. Date Night: Impress your significant other with a luxurious, homemade meal.
5. Meal Prep: Cook in bulk for easy reheating throughout the week.

No matter the setting, this recipe delivers in both flavor and presentation.

Tips for Perfect Execution

1. Prep Ahead: Season the steaks and bake the potatoes in advance to streamline the cooking process.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Cook the steaks in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and a proper sear.
3. Keep Potatoes Warm: Wrap baked potatoes in foil to retain heat if you’re waiting to serve.
4. Customize Seasoning: Adjust the spice levels in the steak rub or add your favorite herbs to the potatoes for a personal touch.
5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the steak and potatoes fresh off the grill and oven for the best flavor and texture.

Customizing Your Meal

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes:

1. Toppings for Potatoes:
   • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
   • Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
   • Sprinkle with crispy fried onions for added crunch.
2. Steak Enhancements:
   • Top with garlic herb butter for a decadent finish.
   • Marinate the steak overnight for deeper flavor.
   • Slice the steak thinly for a salad or sandwich instead of serving whole.
3. Alternative Proteins:
   • Substitute steak with grilled chicken, salmon, or a plant-based alternative for variety.
4. Side Pairings:
   • Add a fresh Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Pairing Suggestions

Complete your steak and potato dinner with the perfect accompaniments:

• Beverages:
  • Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
  • For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the meal beautifully.
• Additional Sides:
  • Grilled asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp wedge salad add freshness to the plate.
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls are great for soaking up juices from the steak.
• Desserts:
  • End the meal with a classic dessert like molten chocolate cake, apple pie, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These pairings enhance the meal, making it feel like a complete steakhouse experience at home.

Nutritional Benefits

This meal not only satisfies cravings but also provides nutritional value:

1. High in Protein: Steak is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Rich in Nutrients: Potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.
3. Balanced Fats: The dish includes healthy fats from olive oil and cheese, contributing to satiety.
4. Customizable Calories: Adjust portions or toppings to align with dietary goals.

By balancing indulgence with wholesome ingredients, this meal offers a satisfying and nutrient-dense option.

Conclusion

Juicy Grilled Steak with Loaded Baked Potatoes is a classic combination that never fails to impress. The tender, perfectly seasoned steak paired with creamy, flavorful potatoes makes for a hearty and indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special celebration, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe brings restaurant-quality dining to your table.

The ease of preparation, customizable elements, and balanced flavors make it a versatile and satisfying choice. Pair it with your favorite sides, beverages, and desserts for a meal that’s both comforting and memorable. Try this recipe today, and elevate your steak and potato game to new heights! 🥩🥔✨