Warm Up with Maine's Ultimate Comfort: Cheesy Chicken and Beef Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

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Embrace the Cozy Flavors of Maine with This Chicken, Beef, and Mashed Potato Casserole

In the heart of Maine, where cool winds from the Atlantic sweep through cozy kitchens, there's nothing better than a warm, hearty meal to bring comfort to a long day. When you combine tender chicken, savory beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, you get a dish that's as cozy as a Maine evening. And when it's topped with a golden, melted cheese layer? Well, that's pure heaven on a plate.

This Cheesy Chicken and Beef Mashed Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like home. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending flavors that are both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or a special gathering, it brings a little piece of Maine's warm hospitality to your table.

The Ingredients of a Classic Maine Comfort Dish

This recipe brings together the best elements of a classic Maine meal. Picture three pounds of red potatoes, soft and buttery, whipped with rich sour cream and a touch of garlic for flavor. Add to that some broccoli florets for a bit of crisp freshness, tender chopped chicken, and flavorful crumbled beef, all layered with a sharp, tangy cheese that melts into a golden crust as it bakes.

This isn’t just any casserole—this is a meal made to please. The combination of chicken and beef gives you hearty protein, while the potatoes and broccoli add the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Each bite bursts with rich, savory flavors, the kind that stick to your ribs and leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

Recipe: Cheesy Chicken & Beef Mashed Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds red potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium-sized broccoli crown (about 2-3 cups bite-size broccoli florets)
• 3 cups cooked chicken (chopped)
• 4 slices ground beef (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (divided)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Boil the red potatoes in a large pot for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return them to the hot pot to evaporate any excess water.
3. Steam or roast the broccoli until just tender but still slightly crisp, and drain any excess liquid.
4. Cook the ground beef until browned and crumble it into small pieces.
5. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes and mix in the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
6. Fold in the broccoli, chicken, crumbled beef, and 1 cup of shredded cheese, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.

Serve this dish hot and enjoy the rich blend of cheesy, savory goodness that captures the spirit of Maine's cozy cooking style.

The Perfect Ending

This casserole is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you're serving it at a casual family dinner or offering it at a festive holiday gathering. The creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef, tender chicken, and fresh veggies blend into a perfect combination, topped off with a cheesy finish that’s as satisfying as it gets.

In Maine, comfort food means more than just filling you up—it means warming your soul. This Cheesy Chicken and Beef Mashed Potato Casserole does exactly that, giving you a taste of Maine’s rich culinary traditions, where every bite feels like home.

For your Cheesy Chicken and Beef Mashed Potato Casserole, I’ve tailored a delicious recipe that captures the hearty and comforting flavors of Maine. This casserole combines tender mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and juicy chicken, all topped with a golden layer of melted cheese, making it a perfect dish to enjoy during cooler months. The addition of broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, while the cheesy crust provides the perfect finish.

Recipe Highlights:

• Creamy mashed potatoes are made with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, which are popular in Maine for their creamy texture​(Maine Potato Board)​(Spicy Southern Kitchen).
• Savory ground beef and tender chicken offer a balanced protein blend, bringing depth to the dish​(Allrecipes).
• Broccoli and cheese help balance the richness with a bit of crunch and a gooey, cheesy topping​(Recipes.net)​(Maine Potato Board).

This dish is a true comfort food classic, loved by families across the state. You can easily make it ahead, and it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers the next day.

Here’s a detailed guide to follow along:

1. Prepare mashed potatoes: Start by boiling red potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter and sour cream for a creamy base.
2. Cook the proteins: Sauté ground beef and steam your broccoli while your chicken is cooking and chopped.
3. Assemble the casserole: Mix your mashed potatoes with the beef, chicken, broccoli, and half of the cheese. Spread everything in a greased baking dish.
4. Bake: Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

This dish is truly a warming, satisfying meal that embodies the essence of Maine comfort food.

For more variations and tips, check out the full recipe details on (Maine Potato Board)ps://www.mainepotato​(Recipes.net)her casserole inspirations here](https://recipes.net/main-dish/casserole/cheesy-chicken-and-mashed-potato-casserole-recipe/).