Description
These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes are a hearty and delicious dish, combining creamy mashed potatoes with a savory ground beef and cheddar filling. Crispy on the outside and packed with melted cheese on the inside, these potato cakes are perfect as a main course or appetizer. They are pan-fried to golden perfection for a satisfying texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Mixture
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Frying
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, all-purpose flour, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Form the potato cakes: Take about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and flatten it in your hand to create a small patty. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of the patty. Cover the filling with another small amount of the potato mixture and carefully shape it into a patty, sealing the edges tightly to encase the filling. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and beef filling to make 8 cakes.
- Fry the potato cakes: Heat a thin layer of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the potato cakes and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time and add flavor.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sautéed vegetables to make a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Serve these cakes with sour cream, ketchup, or a simple dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the potato cakes well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
