Description
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests combine creamy mashed potatoes with savory fillings like ground beef, vegetables, or cheese, all baked to golden perfection. These individual potato cups are cozy, delicious, and visually stunning — perfect for family dinners, holidays, or creative comfort meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Potato Nests:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg yolk
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup frozen peas or corn
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan
- Drizzle of sour cream or yogurt sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir in egg yolk to thicken.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, peppers, peas, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Shape Nests: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin. Spoon mashed potatoes into cups, pressing the center to create hollows.
- Fill & Bake: Add a spoonful of meat filling to each nest, sprinkle with cheese, and bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Cool slightly before removing. Top with parsley, parmesan, or a drizzle of sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked nests for up to 1 month; reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Vegetarian option: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta instead of meat.
- Air fryer: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Leftovers tip: Turn extra nests into mini casseroles or breakfast cups.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Creative Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests, Mashed Potato Cups, Ground Beef Recipes, Potato Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food, Creative Dinner Recipes, Baked Potato Nests, Family Dinner, Cozy Meals, Holiday Recipes