Description
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that turns creamy mashed potatoes into golden nest shapes filled with seasoned beef, veggies, and mozzarella. Crispy edges meet soft centers in a quick bake, delivering warm comfort and big flavor every time. Ideal as a comforting weeknight main or as an irresistible appetizer, these little nests bring together savory notes, herbs, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3.5 tbsp (50 g) butter
- Salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano to taste
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3.5 oz (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain and mash with butter, dill, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato, and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Scoop portions of mashed potatoes onto the tray and shape each into a nest using the back of a spoon.
- Fill each potato nest with the beef mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with extra parsley or dill and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure tomato paste is gluten-free.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for 2–3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4–1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests, mashed potato nests, beef and cheese nests, easy dinner, comfort food, potato appetizers, mozzarella nests, family-friendly meal