Cozy Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests – A Comforting Favorite in Under an Hour
Short introduction
Cozy Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a warm and inviting dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with a savory beef filling and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy and delicious way to bring comfort to your table, making it a family favorite.
Why you’ll love it
These stuffed mashed potato nests are not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. They offer a great balance of flavors and textures, with the smoothness of mashed potatoes contrasting beautifully with the hearty beef filling. Plus, they’re perfect for using up leftover ingredients. They come together quickly and can be customized to suit your preferences. You’ll enjoy the cozy feeling they bring, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 5 large potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds work beautifully)
- 3.5 tablespoons butter (or 50g)
- 1 bunch fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Smoked paprika (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- 1.1 lbs ground beef (or 500g; can also use turkey or plant-based crumbles)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 2.5 oz tomato paste (or 70g)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3.5 oz mozzarella cheese (grated, or 100g)
- Oil (for sautéing)
Substitutions & key variations
- Potatoes: Swap Russets or Yukon Golds for any starchy potato.
- Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or your favorite cheese.
- Herbs: Thyme or chives can replace dill or parsley based on your preference.
- Veggies: Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Peel and cut the potatoes into roughly equal chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Mash It Up
Drain the potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the warm pot (with the heat off) to let steam escape. Add butter, chopped dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Mash until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Start the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little oil until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Goodness
Stir in the diced tomato and tomato paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the tomato to soften.
Step 6: Season and Stir
Stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Shape the Nests
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon the mashed potato mixture onto the sheet and shape it into nests, creating an indentation in the center of each.
Step 9: Fill ‘Em Up
Spoon the ground beef mixture into the center of each potato nest.
Step 10: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each filled nest.
Step 11: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the nests are warmed through.
Success tips
- Ensure your potatoes are well-drained to get a creamy texture in the mash.
- Don’t over-mix your mashed potatoes; this can lead to a gummy texture.
- Monitor the baking time closely to achieve the right level of melting and browning for the cheese.
How to serve
Serve these cozy stuffed mashed potato nests hot out of the oven, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired. They make a great standalone meal or can be paired with a light salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nests ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture and filling a day in advance. Just assemble and bake them before serving.
Can I freeze the stuffed nests?
Absolutely! Assemble the nests, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to switch up the filling with shredded chicken, vegetables, or even a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
These stuffed mashed potato nests are rich in carbohydrates from the potatoes and protein from the beef. Consider adjusting the ingredients for lower-carb or vegetarian options based on your dietary needs.
Conclusion + CTA
Cozy Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a fantastic way to enjoy comforting flavors in a unique, fun presentation. Their versatility means you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe today for a family dinner that everyone will love!
Links to related recipes
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Spicy Taco Stuffed Potatoes
Cozy Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 5 large large potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds) Any starchy potato can be used.
- 3.5 tablespoons butter Can substitute with 50g.
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped Can be replaced with thyme or chives.
- to taste salt
- to taste smoked paprika
- to taste black pepper
- to taste oregano
For the Beef Filling
- 1.1 lbs ground beef Can substitute with turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2.5 oz tomato paste Or 70g.
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 3.5 oz mozzarella cheese, grated Or 100g.
- to taste oil For sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and cut the potatoes into roughly equal chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the warm pot (with the heat off) to let steam escape. Add butter, chopped dill, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Mash until creamy and smooth.
Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little oil until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomato and tomato paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the tomato to soften.
- Stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon the mashed potato mixture onto the sheet and shape it into nests, creating an indentation in the center of each.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture into the center of each potato nest.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each filled nest.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the nests are warmed through.