Introduction
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings.
With a mix of savory ingredients and a satisfying texture, it’s a great way to create a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.
Whether you are craving something special for dinner or want to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a hit at the table.
It’s a fun twist on classic chicken recipes, with a delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound ground lamb (or beef for Cottage Pie
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Once the onions are translucent.
add the minced garlic and diced carrots to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the carrots start to soften.
Next, add the ground lamb (or beef if you prefer) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing everything well.
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes
allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly. Once it’s thickened, stir in the frozen peas and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set the mixture aside.
While the filling is cooking, peel and chop the russet potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
To make the mashed potatoes, add the butter to the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.
Gradually add the milk or heavy cream and continue mashing until you achieve a creamy consistency. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Now it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of the mashed potatoes at the bottom.
Top the mashed potatoes with the lamb (or beef) and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly. If you’d like to make.
the dish extra special, you can add a layer of grated cheese on top of the filling for a cheesy finish.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
First, start by preparing the potatoes for the mashed potato base. Select medium-sized russet potatoes, which are ideal for mashing because of their high starch content.
After peeling, chop them into chunks of similar size to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with water, ensuring.
the water level is just above the potatoes. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.
As the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
This should take around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced carrots to the pan, cooking for a few more minutes until.
the garlic is fragrant and the carrots begin to soften. This combination of aromatics will serve as a great flavor base for the filling.
After the vegetables have softened, add your ground lamb or beef to the pan. Brown the meat while breaking it up with a spoon, making sure the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
Once browned, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Let this mixture simmer in the broth for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop, stirring occasionally.
While the meat and vegetable mixture is simmering, drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk or cream, and begin mashing.
the potatoes until they reach your desired smoothness. The butter will help create a rich, velvety texture.
while the milk or cream will make them extra creamy. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
Once the mashed potatoes are prepared, it’s time to assemble the dish. Begin by spreading a generous layer of mashed potatoes in the bottom of a casserole dish.
Top it with the meat and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle
some shredded cheese over the top of the filling. This will melt beautifully during baking and create a cheesy crust on top.
Bake your casserole in the oven until the filling is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
This dish is the perfect comfort food, hearty and flavorful enough to serve for a cozy dinner.
Variations
If you’re looking to try a variation of this dish, consider swapping the lamb for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
These leaner meats will still hold up well with the vegetables and seasonings, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Additionally, you can experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
For a richer, more indulgent dish, you could add some crumbled o the filling before baking. Bacon pairs wonderfully with the lamb or beef and adds a smoky.
salty flavor that complements the richness of the mashed potatoes. To enhance the flavor further.
You could also include a variety of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of blue cheese for an extra punch.
If you’re in the mood for a more decadent mashed potato base, you could try using a combination of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes.
This adds a subtle sweetness and makes for an interesting contrast to the savory filling. You could also consider adding garlic or herbs such as rosemary to the mashed potatoes to boost their flavor.
Vegetarians can easily adapt this recipe by replacing the meat with a plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms.
These hearty alternatives will provide texture and absorb the flavors from the sauce. You can even add extra layers of vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to make the dish even more filling.
To make the dish gluten-free, ensure that all of your ingredients, especially the broth and Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.
Many brands of Worcestershire sauce contain gluten, so double-check the label or opt for a gluten-free alternative.
For a spicier version of the dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling.
This will bring a bit of heat to the overall flavor, making it a great option for those who enjoy spicier foods.
Lastly, if you want to make the dish more hearty, serve it with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale.
This adds a fresh element to balance out the richness of the casserole and makes for a well-rounded meal.
Tips
To make your mashed potatoes extra smooth, use a potato ricer or food mill rather than a standard masher.
This will remove any lumps and create a silky texture. Be sure not to over-mash, though, as it can make the potatoes gluey. A gentle hand is key.
When browning the meat, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure the meat browns evenly.
This will enhance the flavor and texture of the filling. You can also drain any excess fat from the pan before adding the broth for a leaner option.
For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk in the mashed potatoes. Heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the dish. If you want to keep it lighter, opt for whole milk instead.
If you prefer crispy mashed potatoes, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
This will create a golden, crispy crust on the top of the mashed potatoes while keeping the filling nice and tender.
You can prep the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time, then assemble the casserole just before baking.
This makes the dish a great option for busy nights or when hosting guests, as it minimizes the time spent in the kitchen.
When storing leftovers, be sure to let the dish cool completely before placing it in the fridge. Store in an airtight container, and it should keep for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven for best results, as this will help maintain the texture of the mashed potatoes.
If you want to make individual portions of this dish, you can divide the mixture into small ramekins and bake them separately.
This makes for a fun, customizable serving option for guests.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the best of both savory meats and creamy mashed potatoes.
Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Whether you stick with the traditional version or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
By following the simple steps and using the tips provided, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that rivals the famous Outback Steakhouse dish. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor the delicious results.