Ingredients
For the Chicken & Steak:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 ribeye steaks, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Loaded Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Add the heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the loaded mashed potatoes into a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Cook the Chicken & Steak:
- Season the chicken and steak cubes with garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken and steak cubes for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the chicken and steak bites over a generous portion of cheesy loaded mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
Variations:
- Protein Substitutions: Replace chicken and steak with shrimp, salmon, or pork tenderloin for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and top the potatoes with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
- Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the mashed potatoes or meat seasoning for a fragrant touch.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the meat seasoning for some heat.
- Loaded Mashed Potato Toppings: Include extras like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for more layers of flavor.
Tips:
- Consistent Cubes: Cut the chicken and steak into evenly-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Avoid Overmixing: When mashing potatoes, mix just until smooth to avoid a gluey texture.
- Rest the Meat: Let the cooked chicken and steak rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
- Crispier Potatoes: Broil the loaded mashed potatoes for a few minutes at the end for a golden, crispy top.
- Time Saver: Prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat before baking.
- Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and steak reaches your preferred doneness.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify ingredients like Parmesan and bacon for gluten-free options if needed.
These variations and tips will help you customize this dish to your taste while ensuring a perfect outcome!