These crispy potato nests are a perfect combination of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a flavorful veggie mix. A fun and easy twist on classic stuffed potatoes, these nests are both hearty and delicious! They’re great for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ pound ground beef (225g)
- 1 medium onion (150g), diced
- 1 bell pepper (150g), diced
- 1 large tomato (150g), diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (150g)
- 1 large egg
- 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped
- Beef Seasoning Mix:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Grate the potatoes and mix with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Use paper towels to press out excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, add the seasoning mix, and drain excess fat.
- Press the potato mixture into the muffin tin cups, forming nest shapes. Brush with oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges of the potato nests are brown and crispy.
- While the nests bake, layer beef, diced vegetables, and spring onions in each nest.
- Beat the egg and pour it over the filling, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for another 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
- Serve with a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a contrast in taste.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a sparkling drink for a festive touch.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure crispy nests.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps create those crispy edges.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time during preparation.
- You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition.
- Press the potato mixture firmly into the muffin tin to help the nests hold their shape while baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes provide a good source of potassium and fiber.
- Ground beef is rich in protein and iron, helping with muscle growth and energy.
- Cheese adds calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
- The veggies offer vitamins A and C, promoting immune health and skin elasticity.
- Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Low-Carb: Moderate (due to potatoes)
- Dairy-Free: No (contains cheese)
- Nut-Free: Yes
- Vegetarian: No
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispiness of the potato nests. You can also freeze these nests for up to 2 months—just reheat from frozen, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun, easy, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Crispy potato nests with a flavorful, savory filling—what’s not to love?
- You can prepare them in advance, making it a perfect meal prep option.
- The dish is hearty, comforting, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion
These potato nests with ground beef and cheese are a crowd-pleaser that combines savory flavors with a crispy twist. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, and you can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes. Enjoy these delicious nests, and feel free to get creative with your own flavor combinations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will work great! They’ll give the nests a slightly sweeter flavor. - Can I make these nests ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the potato nests and fillings in advance, then bake them when you’re ready to serve. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or beans for a vegetarian version. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! Feel free to use mozzarella, feta, or any cheese you prefer. - Can I freeze these potato nests?
Yes, these can be frozen before or after baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. - How do I make the nests extra crispy?
Squeeze out as much moisture from the grated potatoes as possible and make sure to press the potato mixture firmly into the muffin tin. - Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or any veggies you like to the filling. - Can I use a non-stick muffin tin?
Yes, a non-stick muffin tin will work fine. Just make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking. - How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether. - What should I serve with these potato nests?
These nests pair well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki.