Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes Recipe
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes are a hearty, flavorful dish combining creamy mashed potatoes with a savory ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese filling. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these patties make an excellent main course or snack perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Potatoes & Filling
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking & Frying
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus more for frying
- Additional cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
- Boil Potatoes: Start by boiling the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well and mash until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely later on.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Season and Mix Cheese: Season the cooked beef mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef cool slightly before stirring in the grated sharp cheddar cheese to allow it to melt gently and combine well.
- Combine with Potatoes: Fold the cooled beef and cheddar mixture into the mashed potatoes until the mixture is well combined and evenly incorporated for consistent flavor throughout.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into patties approximately ¾-inch thick, ensuring they hold together firmly but aren’t overly compacted.
- Prepare to Fry: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the patties to prevent sticking.
- Fry Potato Cakes: Fry the potato cakes in batches, spacing them apart so they don’t touch. Cook each side for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping carefully with a spatula to maintain their shape. Add more oil as needed between batches to maintain frying quality.
- Add Cheese Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top of each fried cake and cover the pan for a minute to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the potato cakes hot for the best texture and flavor experience. Enjoy them as a satisfying meal or a delicious snack.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or gouda for smokiness.
- Vegetarian version: omit ground beef and add vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, and black beans.
- Use pre-cooked or leftover mashed potatoes to save preparation time.
- These cakes reheat well in the oven or on the stovetop to regain crispiness.
- Ensure paprika and spices are gluten-free if required by dietary restrictions.
Keywords: Potato cakes, cheesy beef patties, stuffed potato recipe, crispy potato cakes, comfort food, skillet recipe