Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, golden nest of creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly cradling a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh herbs. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures, with the fluffy potatoes giving way to a hearty, flavorful center. Topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh dill, these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are not just a meal; they’re a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this creamy, dreamy potato base!
- This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- It’s a fun way to sneak in veggies for the kids!
- Perfect for meal prep—just reheat and enjoy!
- Impress your friends with this delightful twist on comfort food!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests!
- 3–5 large potatoes – the base for your nests
- 3.5 tbsp (50 g) butter – to add creaminess
- A bunch of fresh dill – for a burst of flavor
- Salt – to taste
- Smoked paprika – adds a nice smoky flavor
- Black pepper – to season
- Oregano – for an aromatic touch
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef – the main stuffing
- 1 onion – for sweetness
- 2 garlic cloves – for depth of flavor
- 1 red bell pepper – adds color and sweetness
- 1 large tomato – for freshness
- 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste – to enrich the flavor
- A bunch of fresh parsley – for garnish
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create some delightful Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
- Step 1: Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Step 4: Stir in diced red bell pepper, chopped tomato, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Mix in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Step 7: Spoon mashed potatoes into each muffin cup, creating a nest shape. Fill each nest with the beef mixture.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
- Step 9: Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creations!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for creamier nests.
- Season the beef mixture well for maximum flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized potato nests.
- Top with cheese before baking for a delicious crust.
- Let the nests cool slightly before serving for easier handling.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a light salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the nests to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the nests completely before freezing.
- Wrap each nest in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen nests in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth.
- Ensure they are heated through for the best taste.
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Tin For shaping the potato nests.
- 1 Skillet For sautéing the filling.
- 1 Pot For boiling the potatoes.
Ingredients
Potato Base
- 3–5 large potatoes The base for your nests.
- 3.5 tbsp butter To add creaminess.
Herbs and Spices
- 1 bunch fresh dill For a burst of flavor.
- to taste salt To taste.
- to taste smoked paprika Adds a nice smoky flavor.
- to taste black pepper To season.
- to taste oregano For an aromatic touch.
Filling
- 1.1 lbs ground beef The main stuffing.
- 1 onion For sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic For depth of flavor.
- 1 large tomato For freshness.
- 2.5 oz tomato paste To enrich the flavor.
- 1 bunch fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Step 4: Stir in diced red bell pepper, chopped tomato, and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Mix in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Step 7: Spoon mashed potatoes into each muffin cup, creating a nest shape. Fill each nest with the beef mixture.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
- Step 9: Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creations!
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of meat for the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and flavorful.
2. How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
To achieve creamier mashed potatoes, consider adding more butter or a splash of milk or cream. You can also use sour cream or cream cheese for an extra rich texture. Just mix in gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Can I prepare the nests in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed mashed potato nests ahead of time! Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
4. What can I serve with Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests?
These nests are quite filling on their own, but you can serve them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A drizzle of gravy or a dollop of sour cream on top can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the cozy comfort of Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests! This delightful dish is not only simple to make but also a heartwarming treat that brings back fond memories. So gather your loved ones, whip up this recipe, and enjoy every delicious bite together. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is!