Description: Indulge in the comforting flavors of home with these delightful Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests. Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are transformed into individual nests, filled with a savory and richly seasoned ground beef mixture, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of textures and flavors – the smooth potatoes, the savory beef, the aromatic herbs, and the gooey cheese – creates a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ingredients:
- 3–5 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
- 3.5 tbsp (50 g) butter, unsalted
- A bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped (approximately ¼ cup packed)
- Salt, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Oregano, dried, to taste
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped (approximately ¼ cup packed)
- 3.5 oz (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, chopped fresh dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in gluey mashed potatoes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside the mashed potatoes while you prepare the beef filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned all over. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Add the diced red bell pepper and diced tomato to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender-crisp. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Stir the chopped fresh parsley into the ground beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Assemble the Stuffed Potato Nests: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or baking sheet. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, portion the mashed potatoes into mounds on the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a well in the center of each mound, forming a “nest.”
Step 7: Fill the Nests and Bake: Spoon the ground beef filling into the wells of the mashed potato nests. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly among the nests. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each nest.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. The mashed potato nests should be heated through.
Step 9: Let Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed mashed potato nests cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent burning your mouth.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The creamy mashed potatoes, the savory beef filling, and the melted mozzarella cheese create a flavor combination that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s also a very versatile recipe. You can easily customize the filling to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses. It’s also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or ground beef.
Beyond the taste and versatility, these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are visually appealing. They make a beautiful presentation on the plate, making them perfect for entertaining guests. They’re also relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Finally, it’s a very family-friendly meal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these hearty and flavorful nests. They’re a great way to get picky eaters to try new vegetables, and they’re a fun and interactive meal to prepare together.
COOKING Rating: Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be a perfect complement.
- They can also be served as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken, steak, or pork.
- For a more complete meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for added freshness and visual appeal.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a tangy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Tips:
- For the best mashed potatoes, use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties are starchy and will create a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix the mashed potatoes, as this can make them gluey. Mash them just until smooth.
- To prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out, add a little bit of milk or cream while mashing.
- If you don’t have fresh dill or parsley, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
- For a spicier filling, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes and the ground beef filling ahead of time and assemble the nests just before baking.
- If you have leftover filling, you can use it to make tacos, burritos, or chili.
- Make sure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent the potato nests from sticking.
- Watch the nests carefully while they are baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and low-fat mozzarella cheese.
- To add extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef with a tablespoon of bacon fat or rendered pancetta.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 400-600 mg per serving
Conclusion:
These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a delightful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef filling, and melted mozzarella cheese is simply irresistible. With its ease of preparation and versatility, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm your heart and fill your belly! Enjoy! Questions and Answers about Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through. If using a leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet to prevent it from drying out.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can prepare the mashed potatoes and the ground beef filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the nests, simply reheat the filling and the potatoes, then proceed with the recipe as directed. You can also assemble the nests ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to ensure the potatoes are warm and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Q3: Can I add any other vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables to the ground beef filling. Some great additions would be mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, corn, or peas. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of nutrients.
Q4: What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
A: If you don’t have mozzarella cheese on hand, or if you simply prefer a different cheese, there are several alternatives you can use. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, provolone cheese, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a flavor that you enjoy.
Q5: Can I freeze these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests?
A: Yes, you can freeze these stuffed potato nests, although the texture of the mashed potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the nests to cool completely after baking. Wrap each nest individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the nests in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture may be less appealing.
