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If you’re looking for an original, delicious, and budget-friendly recipe to surprise your family, these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are the perfect choice. They combine smooth mashed potatoes with a juicy filling of seasoned meat and a generous layer of melted, cheesy gratin that melts in every bite.
They’re ideal for a special lunch, a unique dinner, or even for preparing in advance and baking when you need them. Plus, you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Very easy to prepare.
Inexpensive ingredients.
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Perfect for the whole family.
Can be made in advance.
A great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes:
1 kg of potatoes,
2 tablespoons of butter
, ½ cup of hot milk,
salt to taste,
black pepper to taste,
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or dill
For the filling:
500g minced beef,
1 small chopped onion
, 1 diced red bell pepper,
2 minced garlic cloves
, 2 tablespoons tomato paste or sauce,
1 teaspoon paprika
, ½ teaspoon cumin
, salt and pepper to taste,
2 tablespoons olive oil
For gratinating:
200g grated mozzarella cheese;
fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-step preparation
1. Cook the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until very tender.
Drain them and prepare a puree by adding the butter, hot milk, salt and pepper.
Add the chopped parsley or dill and mix until you get a smooth and creamy puree.
2. Prepare the filling
Heat the oil in a frying pan.
Sauté the onion and garlic for a few minutes.
Add the bell pepper and cook until slightly tender.
Add the ground beef and cook until it is completely browned.
Add the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5 more minutes until you get a juicy and well-seasoned filling.
3. Form the nests
Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, place portions of puree forming small nests with a hole in the center.
4. Fill
Place a portion of meat in the center of each nest.
Cover with plenty of grated cheese.
5. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and golden brown.
6. Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.
Tips for Making Them Perfect
The mashed potatoes should be firm enough to hold their shape.
Don’t add too much milk to the mashed potatoes.
Cook the filling thoroughly to remove any excess liquid.
Use mozzarella cheese for a more elastic gratin.
You can prepare the nests several hours in advance and bake them just before serving.
Variations
You can change the filling using:
You can change the filling using:
Shredded chicken.
Tuna.
Ham and cheese.
Sautéed mushrooms.