Name: Potato Pancakes with Beef & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Potato Mixture:; 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated; 1 large onion, grated; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying; For the Beef & Cheese Filling:; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella); Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional Toppings/Sides:; Applesauce or sour cream; Ketchup or hot sauce; Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden potatoes and savory fillings, this recipe is perfect for you. The combination of grated russet potatoes and onion creates a crunchy exterior, while the juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices in the filling offer a rich and satisfying contrast. The addition of optional toppings like applesauce, sour cream, or hot sauce gives you the chance to customize each bite to your taste. Whether served for a casual family dinner or a fun get-together, these stuffed potato pancakes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Potato Mixture:

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1 large onion, grated
2 large eggs
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying

For the Beef & Cheese Filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings/Sides:

Applesauce or sour cream
Ketchup or hot sauce
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Potato Mixture: Grate the russet potatoes and onion, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with the eggs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Prepare the Beef & Cheese Filling: In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Add the ground beef, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and creates a gooey, cheesy mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Form the Pancakes: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop a small portion of the potato mixture into your hands, shaping it into a flat patty. Add a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center, then fold the edges of the potato patty around the filling, sealing it completely. Gently flatten the ball into a pancake shape.
Fry the Pancakes: Carefully place the stuffed potato pancakes into the hot skillet and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping, as the filling may spill out if the pancakes aren’t sealed well.
Serve: Once crispy and cooked through, remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings like applesauce, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 stuffed potato pancakes, depending on the size of the patties you make. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and cooking time is around 25-30 minutes, depending on how many pancakes you’re frying at once. The total time from start to finish is about 45-50 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based alternative.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for extra heat.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for more variety in flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pancakes in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

How can I prevent the potato pancakes from falling apart when frying?

To ensure the pancakes hold together, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Also, be sure to seal the edges of the potato mixture well when folding around the beef and cheese filling.

Can I make these pancakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and beef filling ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and fry the pancakes when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the stuffed potato pancakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled and uncooked pancakes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or container once frozen. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, you can substitute with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still work.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil works well for frying these pancakes because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You could also use canola oil or sunflower oil.

How do I keep the pancakes crispy after frying?

To keep them crispy, place the fried pancakes on a wire rack rather than a plate to prevent steam from softening them. You can also briefly reheat them in the oven before serving.

What sides go well with these stuffed potato pancakes?

These pancakes pair nicely with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, pickles, or roasted vegetables. Applesauce or sour cream also complement the dish beautifully.

How do I make these pancakes spicier?

To add heat, you can include some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper in the beef mixture, or drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.

Can I bake the potato pancakes instead of frying them?

Baking is possible, but the pancakes may not achieve the same level of crispiness. If you’d like to bake them, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

These crispy potato pancakes filled with a flavorful beef and cheese mixture are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re perfect for any meal of the day and are customizable to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them with applesauce, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its crispy texture and delicious, cheesy filling. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

How can I prevent the potato pancakes from falling apart when frying?

Can I make these pancakes in advance?

Can I freeze the stuffed potato pancakes?

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

What kind of oil is best for frying?

How do I keep the pancakes crispy after frying?

What sides go well with these stuffed potato pancakes?

How do I make these pancakes spicier?

Can I bake the potato pancakes instead of frying them?

Conclusion

Potato Pancakes with Beef & Cheese

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes