These Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Potato Nests are a delicious and creative way to enjoy potatoes and ground beef in a crispy, cheesy bite-sized delight. The grated potatoes form a crispy nest that holds a flavorful beef and vegetable filling, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer, these savory potato cups will impress everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 potato nests
Ingredients
For the Potato Nests:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (600-750g / 21-26 oz), peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
For the Beef Filling:
- ½ pound ground beef (225g)
- 1 medium onion (150g), diced
- 1 bell pepper (150g), diced
- 1 large tomato (150g), diced
- 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (150g) (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Beef Seasoning Mix:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Nests
- Grate the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the grated potatoes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Press the potato mixture into each muffin cup, forming small nest shapes.
- Brush each nest with sunflower oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling
- While the nests bake, heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and stir in onion, bell pepper, and tomato.
- Add the seasoning mix (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Potato Nests
- Remove the baked potato nests from the oven.
- Evenly distribute the beef mixture into each nest.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions.
- Pour a small amount of beaten egg over each nest.
- Top each nest with shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake Again
- Return the muffin tin to the oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Allow the potato nests to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra spring onions or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these potato nests as a snack, breakfast, or party appetizer.
- Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes to ensure crispy nests.
- Use different cheeses like gouda or feta for unique flavors.
- Make them spicy by adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use a silicone muffin tin for easy removal.
- Double the batch and freeze some for later!
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: A great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Beef: Provides high-quality protein and iron.
- Bell Peppers: Loaded with vitamins A and C.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Cheese: Provides calcium for bone health.
Dietary Information
- High-protein & low-carb friendly
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring seasoning mixes are GF
- Can be made dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Potato Nest)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the potato nests in advance and bake fresh when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Fun to Make: Simple steps with great results!
- Crispy, Cheesy, & Savory: Perfect for comfort food lovers.
- Kid-Friendly & Party-Approved: A hit at family meals or gatherings.
- Customizable: Add different veggies, spices, or meats to suit your taste.
Recipe Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Potato Nests are a crispy, cheesy, and savory delight that’s great for any time of the day. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, a party appetizer, or meal prep, these potato cups are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and cheesy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrients.
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Can I make these without meat?
- Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
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How do I prevent the potato nests from sticking to the muffin tin?
- Grease the tin well with oil or use a non-stick silicone muffin tray.
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Can I use different cheeses?
- Yes! Try feta, gouda, or parmesan for unique flavors.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep the potato nests and refrigerate them overnight, then bake when ready.
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How do I make them extra crispy?
- After baking the potato nests the first time, broil them for 3 minutes before adding the filling.
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What can I serve with these potato nests?
- They pair well with avocado slices, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad.
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Can I freeze them after baking?
- Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
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How do I make them spicy?
- Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
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Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.
Try these Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Potato Nests and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese! 🍽️ 🧀