Cheesy Mashed Potato Nests Stuffed with Savory Ground Meat

Here’s a full detailed recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potato Nests Stuffed with Savory Ground Meat a cozy, comforting, and satisfying dish that works great as an appetizer, side, or even a main course. Think of fluffy mashed potatoes shaped into little nests, filled with flavorful ground meat, and baked with a cheesy golden top.

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Cheesy Mashed Potato Nests Stuffed with Savory Ground Meat

 Yield: 12 nests

 Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

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Ingredients

For the Mashed Potato Nests:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for creamier texture)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 egg yolk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or paprika for flavor

For the Savory Ground Meat Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish

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Directions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Drain and mash: Drain well, return to the pot, and mash until smooth.

3. Add flavorings: Mix in butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Stir until creamy and fully combined.

4. Cool slightly: Let the mashed potatoes cool for about 5 minutes before piping or shaping into nests.

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Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.

2. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Brown the meat: Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.

4. Season: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.

5. Taste and adjust: Adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat.

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Step 3: Assemble the Nests

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare muffin tin: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan.

3. Form nests: Either:

   • Pipe the mashed potatoes using a piping bag with a star tip, making a base and circular “walls”, OR

   • Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of mashed potatoes into each muffin cup and press down in the center with a spoon to make a nest shape.

4. Add filling: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the ground meat filling into the center of each nest.

5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of each nest.

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Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

2. Cool slightly: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently removing with a spoon or butter knife.

3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or herbs if desired.

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Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a veggie mix.

• Creamier nests: Add a spoon of cream cheese or sour cream into the mashed potatoes.

• Mini version: Use mini muffin pans for bite-sized appetizers.

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Serving Ideas

• Serve as a main dish with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

• Great for party appetizers or brunch.

• Pair with a dipping sauce like sour cream, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.