These golden, crispy potato pancakes are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese—a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Potato Pancakes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled & grated (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
For Cooking & Garnish
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Grate potatoes and squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel (this keeps them crispy!).
- In a bowl, mix with:
- Eggs
- Flour
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
2. Cook the Beef Filling
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion & garlic, cooking until soft (~3 mins).
- Stir in paprika, cumin, salt & pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pancakes
- Take a handful of potato mix and flatten into a thin circle.
- Add 1-2 tbsp beef filling + a sprinkle of cheese.
- Top with another layer of potato mix, sealing edges.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook pancakes 3-4 mins per side until crispy & golden.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
- Best served hot with sour cream or applesauce!
FAQs & Tips
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Prep the filling & potato mix, then assemble & fry when ready.
Q2: How do I keep them crispy?
- Squeeze potatoes well to remove moisture.
- Fry in hot oil (not overcrowding the pan).
Q3: Can I bake instead of fry?
✅ Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway.
Q4: What’s the best cheese to use?
- Mozzarella (melts well)
- Cheddar (adds sharpness)
- Gouda (for extra creaminess)
Q5: Can I use sweet potatoes?
✅ Yes! Swap for sweet potatoes + add a pinch of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Pair with:
- Sour cream
- Applesauce
- Fresh salad
🔥 Perfect for:
- Weekend brunch
- Game day snacks
- Meal prep (reheat in air fryer!)
These crispy, cheesy, beef-stuffed potato pancakes are irresistibly delicious—let me know how yours turn out! 😍🔥
