Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
If you are craving a dish that marries the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes with the savory richness of ground beef, then this Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, crispy pancakes with a juicy beef filling are not only surprisingly simple to make but also deeply satisfying to eat. Each bite offers a delightful contrast—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside—which makes it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that makes the Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe so irresistible.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature): Creamy base that holds the pancakes together and provides a smooth texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the potato dough so the pancakes hold their shape during frying.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything intact and add extra richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to complement the beef filling.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional): Provides a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter for frying: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply mouthwatering.
- 1/2 lb ground beef: The heart of the filling, delivering rich, savory flavor.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Lends aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the filling a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling just right.
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking beef: Helps brown the beef and release its flavors.
How to Make Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ground beef filling
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent, allowing their sweetness to develop. Then, season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This ensures the filling will be warm but not too hot when stuffed into the pancakes.
Step 2: Make the potato dough
In a mixing bowl, combine your cold or room temperature mashed potatoes with all-purpose flour, egg, salt, pepper, and green onions if you’re including them. Stir everything together until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour, a little at a time, until it’s manageable. This mix forms the delicious pancake base that encases the filling.
Step 3: Shape the pancakes
Divide the potato dough into eight equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it into a round patty about 3 inches in diameter using your hands. Repeat with the rest. These will serve as the “sandwich” layers for your beef filling.
Step 4: Assemble the stuffed pancakes
Place about one tablespoon of the ground beef mixture onto the center of a potato patty. Then, top it with another patty, pressing and sealing the edges firmly to encase the filling completely. Gently flatten the stuffed pancake slightly to ensure even cooking. Repeat this process until all the dough and beef are used up.
Step 5: Fry the pancakes to golden perfection
In a skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed potato pancakes in the pan and fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy
Serve these delightful pancakes immediately while they’re hot and crisp. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and hearty filling makes every bite an absolute pleasure.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the flavors and add a touch of freshness, try garnishing your mashed potato pancakes with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce or a hot sauce can also complement the savory beef filling wonderfully, adding another layer of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair beautifully with crisp, fresh salads such as a tangy cucumber and tomato salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables are fantastic options that add texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, cut the pancakes into halves or quarters to show off the delicious beef filling inside, perfect for sharing at a party or appetizer-style serving. You can even stack them with layers of sour cream or a fresh herb sauce between for a striking tower that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover mashed potato pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess. This makes it easy to enjoy them as a quick meal or snack later on.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these pancakes ahead of time, try freezing them. First, freeze the assembled stuffed pancakes on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to a month. When ready to eat, you can reheat them straight from frozen, which makes them an incredibly convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the pancakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil to restore their golden crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pancakes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe, especially if they’re cold or at room temperature. Just be sure they are seasoned well and don’t contain too much extra milk or butter, which could make the dough too soft.
What type of ground beef is best to use?
For the best flavor and texture, use ground beef with about 15-20% fat content. This ensures the filling stays juicy and flavorful without becoming too greasy.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes! This recipe is versatile and works beautifully with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
Is it necessary to let the beef mixture cool before filling?
It’s recommended to let the beef mixture cool slightly. This helps prevent the potato dough from becoming too soft or sticky when assembling the pancakes, making them easier to handle and seal.
How do I keep the pancakes from falling apart during frying?
Make sure the dough isn’t too sticky by adjusting the flour amount as needed, and seal the edges of the pancakes firmly when assembling. Fry them over medium heat to cook evenly and develop a sturdy, crispy crust that holds everything together.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe is such a joy to make and eat. It brings together familiar comfort food elements in a fun and flavorful way that’s perfect anytime you want something a little special but still utterly satisfying. I promise, once you make these crispy, savory pancakes filled with juicy ground beef, they’ll become a beloved favorite to share with your friends and family. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 stuffed pancakes) 1x
Description
Delicious and hearty mashed potato pancakes stuffed with a savory ground beef filling. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pancakes make a perfect comfort food meal that combines creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful sautéed ground beef and aromatic spices. Ideal for dinner or a satisfying snack, they come together quickly using simple ingredients and stovetop frying.
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter for frying
Ground Beef Filling
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking beef
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the ground beef with finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the potato dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, pepper, and chopped green onions if using. Mix well until a soft dough forms, adding a little more flour if the mixture feels too sticky to handle.
- Shape the patties: Divide the potato dough into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, flatten each portion into a round patty about 3 inches in diameter.
- Assemble the stuffed pancakes: Place 1 tablespoon of the slightly cooled ground beef filling in the center of one potato patty. Take another patty and place it over the filling, pressing the edges together carefully to seal the filling inside. Gently flatten the stuffed pancake slightly to ensure even thickness. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Fry the pancakes: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the stuffed pancakes for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the pancakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot, optionally with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use cold or room temperature mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until manageable.
- You can substitute green onions with chives or omit them entirely.
- Serve with sour cream, ketchup, or a spicy dipping sauce to enhance flavors.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
