In the dynamic landscape of advanced manufacturing, the confluence of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and machine learning (ML) has recently garnered significant attention in many applications. This review investigates the confluence of LPBF and ML, specifically within the specific domain of stainless steel. Firstly, it delves into LPBF principles, including an overview of critical process parameters and associated defects. Secondly, the paper meticulously addresses the distinct challenges posed by steel in additive manufacturing (AM), highlighting factors such as chemical composition, anisotropic microstructure, and oxide film formation, all of which require specialized considerations. Thirdly, the spotlight shifts to the pivotal role of ML, covering predictive modeling for process parameters, real-time defect detection, and quality control. This paper highlights recent advances, revealing how data-driven approaches can accelerate process understanding and part qualification. Eventually, this review offers insights into the future integration of ML in LPBF for steel, providing valuable perspectives on potential advancements in the field of AM.