Loaded Potato with Steak & Shrimp

This hearty loaded baked potato with steak, shrimp, and broccoli transforms a simple side dish into a complete meal. The combination of fluffy potato, savory steak, succulent shrimp, and fresh broccoli creates a perfectly balanced dinner that satisfies protein and vegetable needs in one delicious package.

I first created this loaded potato recipe during a busy work week when I needed something substantial yet simple. My family was so impressed that it's now requested at least twice a month, and guests always ask for the recipe when I serve it for casual dinners.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: Choose large ones with firm skin and few blemishes for the perfect fluffy interior
• Steak cubes: Ribeye or sirloin work beautifully here for their perfect balance of tenderness and flavor
• Large shrimp: Look for plump pink ones that smell fresh like the ocean not fishy
• Broccoli florets: Fresh provides the best texture but frozen works in a pinch for convenience
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp aged cheddar creates the most flavorful sauce with perfect meltability
• Heavy cream: This creates the silky texture in the sauce that coats everything beautifully
• Butter: Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the final dish
• Olive oil: Use a good quality one since it adds flavor to the steak and shrimp
• Salt and black pepper: Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright finishing touch that balances the richness of the dish

How To Make Loaded Baked Potato with Steak, Shrimp & Broccoli

Perfect the potatoes:

Thoroughly wash and dry your potatoes before pricking them all over with a fork. This critical step prevents them from exploding in the oven by allowing steam to escape. For extra crispy skin, rub them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt before baking directly on the oven rack at 400°F for 45-50 minutes until a knife slides in easily.

Master the protein cooking:

Heat your skillet until it's almost smoking before adding the oil. This ensures a beautiful sear on the steak without overcooking. Cook the steak cubes for just 3-4 minutes total, turning occasionally for even browning. Remove them to rest while cooking the shrimp in the same flavorful pan. The shrimp need only about 2 minutes total, just until they turn pink and slightly curl. Overcooking will make them rubbery.

Create the perfect cheese sauce:

The key to silky smooth cheese sauce is low heat and constant stirring. After melting the butter, add room temperature cream rather than cold to prevent separation. When adding the cheese, remove the pan from heat and stir in handfuls gradually. This prevents the proteins from seizing and creates that restaurant quality smoothness.

Assemble with intention:

Start by slicing your potato lengthwise and fluffing the interior with a fork. Season the inside with salt and pepper before adding your toppings in layers, starting with broccoli at the bottom, then steak, followed by shrimp. This layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors. Drizzle the cheese sauce last so it cascades throughout the entire potato.

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The heavy cream is my secret ingredient in this recipe. While some recipes use milk or even sour cream for the cheese sauce, nothing creates that silky restaurant quality finish like heavy cream. I discovered this by accident when I was out of milk one evening, and now I wouldn't make it any other way. The richness it adds ties all the components together perfectly.

Perfect Potato Selection

Choosing the right potato makes all the difference in this recipe. Russets are ideal because their high starch content creates a fluffy interior that soaks up the flavorful cheese sauce. Look for potatoes that feel heavy for their size with unblemished skin. Avoid any with green spots or sprouts. For an even better result, potatoes of similar size will cook at the same rate, ensuring perfectly done spuds every time.

Make It Your Own

This loaded potato recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. No steak? Try grilled chicken, bacon, or even pulled pork. Vegetarians can replace the meat with roasted mushrooms and extra vegetables for a satisfying meatless version. The cheese sauce works beautifully with pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile. You can also add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even avocado slices for extra dimensions of flavor.

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Storage & Reheating

These loaded potatoes store surprisingly well for meal prep. After cooling completely, wrap each assembled potato individually in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. For best results when reheating, unwrap the potato and place it in a microwave safe dish, covering loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on 70% power for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. The cheese sauce may thicken when chilled, so have a splash of milk or cream ready to thin it if necessary during reheating.

The Art of Potato Toppings

Creating the perfect loaded potato is about balance and contrast. Each component serves a purpose beyond just flavor. The steak provides satisfying chew and savory depth, while the shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and tender texture. Broccoli contributes essential freshness and slight crunch that cuts through the richness. The cheese sauce binds everything together while adding creamy indulgence. Consider this formula when creating your own variations keep something creamy, something protein rich, something fresh, and something with texture for the most satisfying loaded potato experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you bake potatoes perfectly?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), prick the potatoes with a fork, and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.

→ What’s the best way to cook steak for this dish?

Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned.

→ How should shrimp be cooked for this meal?

Peel and devein the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar sauce?

Yes, you can swap the cheddar sauce for a spicy queso sauce or even a creamy garlic sauce for variety.

→ What are some garnish ideas for loaded potatoes?

Fresh parsley, chopped chives, or even crispy bacon bits add a great pop of flavor and color to the dish.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

You can prepare the individual components (baked potatoes, steak, shrimp, and sauce) ahead of time and assemble before serving. Reheat as needed.