This recipe is the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes shaped into little cups, filled with savory ground beef seasoned to perfection, topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until golden and bubbling. The result? A dish that is hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing enough to serve for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a special weekend treat. Each bite offers layers of texture—the softness of the potatoes, the richness of the meat, and the irresistible stretch of melted cheese. It’s a recipe that surprises and delights everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 teaspoon salt (for boiling potatoes)
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1 tablespoon butter
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Fresh parsley, to taste
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Olive oil, for greasing the dish
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½ onion, finely chopped
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400 g ground beef
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon fried garlic (or garlic powder)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup tomato sauce
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Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
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Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
Cooking Directions
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Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a pot with boiling water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until soft and tender.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
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Add 400 g of ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula.
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Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon fried garlic, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
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Stir in ½ cup of tomato sauce, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes.
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Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and parsley to taste. Mash until smooth and creamy.
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Grease a glass baking dish with olive oil, spreading it evenly with a brush.
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With your hands, take small portions of the mashed potatoes and shape them into cups with a cavity in the center. Arrange them in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle grated parmesan into the bottom of each potato cup.
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Fill each cup with the seasoned ground beef mixture, pressing gently to level the filling.
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Top generously with grated mozzarella.
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Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven, serve with a spatula, and enjoy hot.
Nutrients (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: ~320
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Protein: 18 g
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Calcium: High from cheese
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Mashed potatoes and ground beef are both comfort foods on their own, but when combined into these little cups and finished with melted cheese, the dish becomes elegant enough to impress guests while still being simple to prepare. It’s filling, affordable, and versatile.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish draws inspiration from two culinary traditions: shepherd’s pie and stuffed potato dishes. Shepherd’s pie layers mashed potatoes over ground meat, while stuffed potato recipes (popular in Europe and South America) involve filling potatoes with cheese, meat, or vegetables. This recipe is a creative hybrid, shaping mashed potatoes into little vessels that hold a rich filling. It’s homestyle cooking with a modern twist.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Potatoes: The base of the recipe, creamy and versatile, providing comfort and structure.
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Ground beef: A protein-packed filling, easy to season and cook.
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Onion and spices: Build layers of flavor in the meat mixture.
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Tomato sauce: Adds moisture, acidity, and depth.
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Cheese (parmesan + mozzarella): The final touch that binds everything together and creates that irresistible golden crust.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These stuffed mashed potato cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they store well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes to keep the texture crisp. Microwaving works too but may soften the potato shells. They can also be frozen before baking; simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Common Variations to Try
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Swap beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
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Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the meat filling for extra nutrition.
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Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different flavor profile.
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Spice it up with chili flakes or jalapeños mixed into the filling.
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Try topping with cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend instead of mozzarella.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve these stuffed potato cups with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for balance. They also pair well with a glass of red wine like Merlot or a refreshing iced tea. For a complete family dinner, serve alongside garlic bread or a warm soup starter.
Health Benefits
While indulgent, this recipe has nutritional value. Potatoes provide potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Ground beef is rich in protein and iron, supporting energy and muscle health. Cheese contributes calcium for bone strength. The parsley adds antioxidants and a fresh element. Moderation is key, but these cups can be part of a balanced diet when served with vegetables or salad.
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Conclusion
This recipe takes everyday staples and turns them into something truly special. Creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a dish that’s comforting yet impressive. Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner or a gathering, these stuffed potato cups will surprise and delight everyone. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a memorable, home-cooked meal.