🥔 Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with Minced Meat & Cheese 🧀
đź“ť Introduction
This savory and indulgent dish is perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or cozy nights in. It features creamy mashed potatoes shaped into nests, filled with a savory minced meat mixture, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. The textures and flavors are perfectly balanced—soft, creamy, savory, and slightly crispy on top.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Nests:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes (starchy variety)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Filling:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) minced beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Topping:
- Grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
🧑‍🍳 Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash them while still hot.
- Mix in butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and chopped dill.
- Let cool slightly, then shape into nests (donuts with a hollow center) using your hands or a mold on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
🔸 Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add minced meat, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture is thick and well combined. Let cool slightly.
🔸 Step 3: Assemble the Nests
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Fill the center of each potato nest with the meat mixture.
- Top each nest with grated cheese.
🔸 Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
🧑‍🔬 Methods
- Boiling & Mashing: For a smooth and creamy potato base.
- Sautéing: To bring out deep flavor in the minced meat.
- Baking: For that perfect golden top and melded flavors.
đź“ś History
Stuffed potato dishes have existed across cultures for centuries—ranging from South American papas rellenas to Eastern European kartoffelnest or pirozhki. This specific nest formation is a creative modern twist, likely influenced by French and Russian culinary traditions where presentation is key.
đź’Ş Benefits
- High in protein: Thanks to the meat and cheese.
- Comforting & filling: Great for colder months.
- Customizable: You can make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or spice it up.
- Kid-friendly: Fun to eat and mild in flavor.
🧬 Formation
- Boil → Mash → Shape the nests
- Sauté → Flavor → Cool the meat
- Fill → Top → Bake → Serve
Each step forms a part of a culinary construction—where texture and taste are layered for full impact.
❤️ For the Lovers of This Dish
Potato lovers, cheese fanatics, and meat enthusiasts will all find something to adore here. This dish is made for those who appreciate warmth in a meal, a balance of textures, and a beautiful presentation.
Couples can enjoy preparing it together—mashing, stuffing, and baking as a cozy evening activity. It’s hearty, rustic, and made with love.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per Nest)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 18–22g |
| Carbs | 25–30g |
| Fat | 20–25g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Calcium | 15% RDA |
| Iron | 12% RDA |
Note: Nutritional values vary by ingredients used.
âś… Conclusion
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with Minced Meat is not just a dish—it’s a cozy, flavorful experience. From the creamy base to the cheesy crust, each bite brings warmth, nostalgia, and joy.
This recipe celebrates simplicity and elegance, all baked into one.
❤️ Lovers Again
Lovers of comfort food will cherish this creation. Whether shared with family, a partner, or enjoyed solo—this dish wraps you in its creamy, cheesy arms. Serve it with a side salad or soup for a full meal.