Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes – Crispy, Cheesy, and Packed with Savory Goodness in Every Bite

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining creamy mashed potatoes with a savory beef and cheese filling. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crispy, golden crust on the outside and a gooey, cheesy, meaty center. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or just craving something indulgent, these stuffed potato cakes are the perfect answer. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear off the plate!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes

This dish is inspired by traditional potato cakes but with a twist—stuffed with a delicious beef and cheese filling! It’s a great way to elevate mashed potatoes, turning them into a hearty, satisfying meal. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, cheesy interior, making these potato cakes the perfect comfort food. They’re also incredibly versatile—perfect as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a savory snack.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes

These potato cakes are the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside. The ground beef filling is flavorful, seasoned with onions, garlic, and melty cheese, while the mashed potato coating adds a smooth and creamy texture. Whether you’re serving these for dinner or as a party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, giving you a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 3g

These potato cakes are a rich and satisfying dish that works perfectly as a filling snack or meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes are best served hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Sour cream, ketchup, or even a zesty garlic aioli would be perfect. For a complete meal, serve these potato cakes alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair them with a side of garlic bread or fries for a true comfort food feast. And if you’re hosting a party, these make the ultimate appetizer—just make them smaller for bite-sized portions!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potato cakes in a hot skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Fun Fact: The History of Potato Cakes

Potato cakes have been a staple comfort food in many cultures around the world, often made from leftover mashed potatoes. They are versatile and can be filled or flavored in endless ways, depending on local ingredients. In Eastern European and Irish cuisine, variations of potato cakes are often served with meats or as part of a hearty breakfast. This version, with a cheesy beef filling, adds a modern twist to this time-honored dish.

Cooking Tips

Perfect Filling: Be sure to let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese so that it doesn’t melt too quickly. Crispy Crust: Dusting the potato cakes with a little flour before frying helps create that perfectly crispy crust. Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the potato cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.

Optional Variations

Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy twist. Herb Lovers: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for extra flavor. Cheesy Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—try mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: paprika, cumin, or dried herbs for extra flavor

For the Potato Cakes:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (cold; leftover potatoes work best)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding if needed)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like (like paprika or cumin). Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in the shredded cheese. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Potato Mixture: If your mashed potatoes aren’t already seasoned, mix them with salt and pepper to taste. If the mashed potatoes are too soft to shape, you can add an egg or a little flour to help bind them.
3. Assemble the Potato Cakes: Take a portion of the mashed potatoes (about the size of a golf ball), flatten it in your hand, and place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center. Enclose the filling with the mashed potatoes, forming a patty or cake shape. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and filling.
4. Bread the Potato Cakes: Lightly dust each potato cake with flour to help form a crispy crust when frying.
5. Cook the Potato Cakes: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato cakes in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream, ketchup, or garlic aioli. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy mashed potatoes with a rich, savory beef and cheese filling. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or the main event. Each bite is packed with flavor, and they’re so easy to make that they’re bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Dig in and enjoy!