Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food bites—crispy on the outside, fluffy and creamy inside, with a savory center of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar. These golden patties deliver big flavor using simple ingredients, making them perfect for cozy dinners, party appetizers, or make-ahead snacks you can fry fresh when needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines contrasting textures in the best way: a crunchy breadcrumb crust, smooth mashed potatoes, and a rich, cheesy beef filling. It’s adaptable to different proteins and seasonings, kid-friendly, and impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, the patties reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, keeping their crispness intact.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside to cool completely.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parsley. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Take a scoop of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef filling in the center, then cover with more mashed potatoes, sealing and shaping into a patty.
Roll each patty in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Success

Make sure both the mashed potatoes and the beef filling are cool before shaping to help the patties hold together. Avoid overfilling, as too much filling can cause them to break during frying. For extra crunch, double-coat the patties in egg and breadcrumbs. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve an even golden crust.

Variations and Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Finely chopped mushrooms or lentils work well for a vegetarian version. Sweet potatoes can be used instead of russets for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich twist. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add extra fiber without sacrificing crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy mashed potato patties with garlic aioli, sour cream, spicy ketchup, or a yogurt-based herb sauce. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or present them as bite-sized party snacks with toothpicks.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Unfried patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Fry directly from chilled or thawed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Nutrition (Per Patty)

Calories: 370 kcal
Carbohydrates: moderate
Protein: good source
Fat: moderate

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes bring together everything we love about comfort food—creamy potatoes, savory beef, melty cheese, and a crunchy golden crust. Easy to customize, family-friendly, and perfect for nearly any occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite whenever you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and irresistibly crispy.

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