Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

 

Quick Overview

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavor and texture with these Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes. This recipe brings together creamy mashed potatoes filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, all encased in a golden crispy shell. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these stuffed potatoes offer a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will soon become your new favorite!

Ingredient Breakdown

Potatoes

For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 pounds of russet potatoes. Russets are ideal because they create a fluffy texture when mashed. Make sure to peel and cut them into even chunks for consistent cooking.

Ground Beef

Using 1 pound of ground beef provides the heartiness of this dish. Choose lean ground beef to minimize excess grease while still ensuring great flavor. You can also substitute it with turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Cheese

You will require 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to your filling. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for an extra cheesy twist.

Onion

One medium onion adds depth to the flavor profile. Dice it finely so that it blends well into the beef mixture, enhancing the taste without overwhelming it.

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic minced will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Garlic pairs perfectly with beef and adds a savory note that elevates the entire recipe.

Egg

A single egg serves as a binder for the mashed potato mixture. It helps hold everything together when forming your stuffed potatoes, ensuring they maintain their shape during cooking.

Breadcrumbs

You will need 1 cup of breadcrumbs to coat the outside of your stuffed potatoes. This creates a crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.

Step By step Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the peeled and chopped russet potatoes to the boiling water and cook them until they are fork-tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them well and return them to the pot to steam off excess moisture for creamy mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté one diced onion until translucent. Then add two minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add one pound of ground beef, cooking until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once cooked through, remove from heat and mix in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into your beef filling until melted. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Mash the drained potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy. Incorporate one beaten egg along with salt and pepper to taste for seasoning. Mix thoroughly until everything is combined, making sure there are no lumps remaining.

Step 5: Assemble Stuffed Potatoes

Using your hands or a spoon, take about half a cup of mashed potato mixture and flatten it onto your palm. Place about two tablespoons of your cheesy ground beef filling in the center then fold the edges over to form a ball or patty shape. Repeat this process for all remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Coat with Breadcrumbs

Prepare three bowls—one with flour, another with beaten eggs (two eggs), and finally one filled with one cup of breadcrumbs mixed with some seasoning (like paprika). Dip each stuffed potato first in flour, then in egg wash, and finally coat them evenly with breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden Brown

In a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat, pour enough oil for shallow frying—about an inch deep should suffice. Once hot (around 350°F), carefully place your coated stuffed potatoes into the oil without overcrowding them. Fry each side until golden brown—about three to four minutes per side.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Once fried to perfection, remove your cheesy ground beef-stuffed crispy mashed potatoes from oil using slotted spatula or tongs; transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil while keeping them warm in an oven set at low heat if needed.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed potatoes make an excellent main dish paired with fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Drizzle some sour cream or ranch dressing on top before serving for added flavor! Enjoy hot straight out from frying!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers after serving dinner—store unconsumed cheesy ground beef-stuffed crispy mashed potatoes tightly covered in an airtight container within two hours at room temperature; refrigerate promptly if not consumed within that time frame.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat leftover stuffed potatoes—place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; bake at 375°F for about fifteen minutes until heated through again without losing crispiness outside! Enjoy them warm!

With these tips and steps outlined above—you’re all set up for success! Happy cooking!

Mistakes to avoid

One major mistake is using cold mashed potatoes for stuffing. Ensure your mashed potatoes are warm, which helps them blend better with the ground beef filling. Cold potatoes can result in a tough texture and make it difficult to form perfect balls.

Another common error is overcooking the beef. Ground beef should be browned but still moist. Overcooking leads to dry filling, diminishing the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Aim for a juicy consistency to enhance the cheesy experience.

Not seasoning your mashed potatoes adequately is also a mistake. Proper seasoning adds depth to the dish. Use salt, pepper, and even garlic powder to elevate the flavor of your mashed potatoes before stuffing them.

Failing to let the stuffed potatoes cool slightly before frying can lead to messy handling and may cause them to break apart. Give them time to set after shaping so they hold together well during cooking.

Lastly, overcrowding the frying pan is a mistake that results in uneven cooking. Fry in batches to ensure each potato gets crispy on all sides without steaming from overcrowding.

Tips and tricks

Start with high-quality ingredients for the best Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes. Use fresh potatoes rather than pre-packaged options, as they offer better flavor and texture. Selecting lean ground beef ensures you avoid excess grease, which could make your filling overly rich and unappetizing.

When making your mashed potatoes, use a ricer or food mill instead of a mixer for optimal smoothness. These tools help achieve a creamy texture without introducing unnecessary air pockets, ensuring that your potatoes remain dense enough for proper stuffing.

For added flavor in the beef filling, consider incorporating chopped onions and bell peppers while browning the meat. This not only enhances taste but also adds color and nutrients to your dish. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cumin for an extra kick.

Make sure to coat your stuffed potatoes in breadcrumbs before frying. This will create a beautiful golden crust that contrasts with the creamy interior. Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch; they absorb less oil and stay crispier than standard breadcrumbs.

Finally, serve these Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes with a side of dipping sauce, such as sour cream or salsa. A tangy sauce can brighten up each bite and make this comfort food even more enjoyable.

Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes

Consider topping your finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an appealing garnish. These herbs not only add color but also provide freshness that complements the richness of the beef and cheese filling beautifully.

You may want to experiment with different cheeses as well. While cheddar works wonderfully, mozzarella brings a delightful stretchiness that many find appealing. Mixing various cheeses can create layers of flavor that enhance every bite of these tasty stuffed potatoes.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try swapping out half of the ground beef with turkey or chicken. This adjustment lowers fat content while still providing substantial protein without sacrificing too much flavor.

For meal prep enthusiasts, these stuffed potatoes freeze exceptionally well! Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze them after frying; reheat them directly from frozen when you’re ready for a quick meal option without losing quality.

Lastly, consider serving these stuffed potatoes alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance on your plate. The contrasting textures will round out your meal nicely while keeping it nutritious.

FAQs

What type of potatoes are best for Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy content, which creates fluffy mashed potatoes perfect for stuffing. Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer creaminess as they have more moisture content than Russets but still hold their shape well when mashed.

Can I prepare Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these stuffed potatoes in advance by assembling them up until frying. Store uncooked stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook them later.

What sauces pair well with Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes?

Sour cream is an excellent choice due to its tangy flavor that complements rich fillings. Salsa offers brightness with its fresh ingredients while ranch dressing provides creaminess that balances spicy flavors nicely.

How do I ensure my filling stays moist?

To keep your ground beef filling moist, avoid overcooking it during browning by removing it from heat just before it turns brown all over. Adding some broth or cheese into the mixture can also contribute moisture without making it soggy.

Can I make these vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms sautéed with spices for robust flavor while maintaining texture similar to meat-filled options without animal products included!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours after cooking them; they will last 3-4 days this way! Reheat gently either in an oven or microwave until warmed through before enjoying again!

Summary

In summary, mastering Cheesy Ground Beef-Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes requires attention to detail throughout preparation and cooking processes. Avoid common mistakes like using cold ingredients or overcrowding pans while applying helpful tips such as using quality ingredients and playing around with seasonings ensures delightful results every time! Don’t hesitate to get creative by trying different fillings or serving options—each variation brings something unique worth savoring!

 

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