📝 Description
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a comforting and flavorful dish made with creamy mashed potatoes shaped into nests and filled with a savory ground beef mixture. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside potato nests are perfect for dinner, gatherings, or even special occasions. They are simple to prepare, satisfying, and loved by both kids and adults!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Nests:
- 3–5 large potatoes
- 3.5 tbsp (50 g) butter
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oregano to taste
For the Filling:
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3.5 oz (100 g) mozzarella cheese, grated
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
- Boil in salted water until soft (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash while hot.
- Add butter, chopped dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic and red bell pepper; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato and tomato paste.
- Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Turn off heat and mix in fresh parsley.
Step 3: Shape the Nests
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Take a scoop of mashed potatoes and form into round nests with a small well in the center.
- Spoon the beef filling into each nest.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
💡 Tips
- For extra crispiness, brush the potato nests lightly with olive oil before baking.
- You can replace ground beef with chicken or vegetables for a different variation.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use a piping bag to shape neat and beautiful potato nests.
- Serve with fresh salad or yogurt sauce for a complete meal.