If you are craving a cozy, satisfying dish that brings together creamy comfort and rich, savory flavors, then you must try this Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe. Imagine golden, crispy potato pancakes stuffed with a juicy, spiced ground beef center—it’s like a warm hug on a plate that feels both familiar and exciting. Perfect as a hearty snack, lunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe combines humble ingredients in a way that creates an unforgettable taste experience you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the fluffy mashed potatoes that form the base, to the aromatic spices that infuse the ground beef filling, everything works together harmoniously to make these stuffed pancakes utterly irresistible.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): Use cold or room temperature for easier handling when shaping the pancakes.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps bind the potato dough and ensures the pancakes hold their shape perfectly.
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural glue, giving the pancake dough structure and a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice that complements the beef filling.
- Chopped green onions (1 tablespoon, optional): Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Oil or butter (1 tablespoon for frying): Creates that perfectly crisp, golden crust.
- Ground beef (1/2 lb): The savory, protein-packed heart of the filling.
- Finely chopped onion (1/2 small): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle zing.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends smoky undertones to the beef mixture.
- Oil (1 tablespoon for cooking beef): Keeps the filling moist and flavorful while sautéing.
How to Make Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—this develops a delicious base flavor. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to give the filling a smoky, savory kick. Once cooked, set the filling aside to cool slightly. This step is the heart of the recipe, where those warm, meaty flavors are born.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Dough
In a large bowl, mix your cold or room temperature mashed potatoes with flour, egg, salt, pepper, and green onions if you’re using them. Stir until all ingredients combine into a soft, slightly sticky dough. If it feels too wet or delicate, add a bit more flour until it’s easy to work with. This dough is the foundation that encases and supports the delicious beef filling.
Step 3: Shape the Pancakes
Divide the potato dough into eight equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it gently in your hand to create a round patty approximately 3 inches in diameter. Repeat this for all portions; these will serve as the outer layers of your stuffed pancakes. Be gentle but firm to ensure the dough stays together when filled.
Step 4: Stuff and Seal
Place about a tablespoon of the ground beef filling in the center of one potato patty. Carefully place a second patty on top, pressing the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. Flatten the assembled pancake slightly so the filling distributes evenly. Repeat this with the remaining dough and beef mixture to create all eight stuffed pancakes, making sure each one is well sealed for frying.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the stuffed potato pancakes for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy crust. This frying step locks in all the flavors and textures, creating a delightful contrast between crunchy outside and soft, savory inside.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve these warm, inviting creations right away for the best texture and flavor. If you want to add an extra touch, pair them with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Now you’re ready to enjoy your very own Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe masterpiece!
How to Serve Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten these pancakes beautifully. A dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt-based sauce complements the richness perfectly, adding a cooling balance to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and color to your meal. Pickled cucumbers or a light cabbage slaw also work wonderfully, cutting through the hearty texture and providing a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these pancakes like mini burgers, layering them with sliced cheese or a spoonful of pickled veggies for an elevated look. They also make fantastic finger foods at parties — just serve with toothpicks and a variety of dips for a communal, fun eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potato pancakes with ground beef filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to avoid condensation that could make them soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these pancakes either before or after frying. To freeze uncooked, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked pancakes, cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and place in a freezer bag to keep the flavors intact for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the pancakes soggy. Pan-frying leftovers also works well to restore that fresh-from-the-skillet crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and actually add extra flavor as they’ve had time to develop. Just make sure they are cold or at room temperature for best handling.
What type of ground beef is best for the filling?
Ground beef with about 15-20% fat content is ideal because it stays juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef can be used but might dry out a bit during cooking.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed to suit the protein choice.
Is it necessary to add flour to the potato mixture?
Yes, flour helps bind the mashed potatoes into a dough that holds together well when frying. If you want a gluten-free alternative, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend or potato starch instead.
How do I prevent the pancakes from falling apart while frying?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly when assembling and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Using medium heat helps the pancakes cook evenly and firm up without burning or breaking.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe is an absolute delight that captures both comfort and creativity in every bite. It’s a cozy dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again for family, friends, or even just a special treat for yourself. Dive in and enjoy the crispy outsides, tender potatoes, and savory, juicy stuffing—a perfect marriage of flavors and textures that feels like home on a plate.
Print
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 pancakes)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Ground Beef Filling are a delicious and comforting dish featuring crispy, golden brown potato pancakes stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, these pancakes combine creamy mashed potatoes with a flavorful meat filling, pan-fried to perfection for a satisfying crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Potato Pancake Batter
- 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: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Potato Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions if using. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, adding additional flour if the mixture is too sticky to handle.
- Form Potato Patties: Divide the potato dough into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and flatten it into a round patty approximately 3 inches in diameter using your hands.
- Stuff the Pancakes: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled ground beef filling in the center of one potato patty. Cover it with another potato patty, sealing the edges carefully to encase the filling inside. Gently flatten the stuffed pancake slightly. Repeat this process for the remaining patties and filling.
- Fry the Pancakes: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each stuffed potato pancake for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the mashed potato pancakes hot, optionally paired with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are cold or at room temperature to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- If the potato dough feels too wet, add flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- You can customize the filling by adding finely chopped herbs or other spices according to taste.
- For a crispier texture, cook the pancakes in a mixture of butter and oil.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and flavor.
