Stuffed Cutlets with Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and filling dish that combines tender, savory cutlets filled with a creamy and flavorful filling, served alongside rich and creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying meal with a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy potatoes. The stuffed cutlets are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite cheese and seasonings.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- For the Cutlets:
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced meat (beef or beef-pork mix)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Filling:
- 200 g (7 oz) sour cream
- 3 boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
- 3 spring onions, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (e.g., Gouda or Cheddar)
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 600 g (1.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 50 g (3.5 tbsp) butter
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) milk or cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, boiled eggs, spring onions, garlic, and grated cheese.
- Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Cover and set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cutlets.
- Make the Cutlets:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, parsley, and egg.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cutlets tender.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, about the size of a small handful. Flatten each portion into a patty.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each patty. Carefully fold the edges around the filling, sealing it completely to form a ball or oval-shaped cutlet.
- Cook the Cutlets:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil.
- Sear the stuffed cutlets on each side until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Once seared, lower the heat and cook the cutlets for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter and milk (or cream) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the grated cheese and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the mashed potatoes, creating a bed for the stuffed cutlets.
- Serve the stuffed cutlets on top of the mashed potatoes, garnishing with extra parsley or dill if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or carrots.
- Pair with a simple green salad for added freshness.
- Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory flavors.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned for balance with the savory cutlets.
- Don’t overstuff the cutlets; ensure the filling is sealed properly to prevent leakage during cooking.
- You can use any type of cheese for the filling, like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda, depending on your preference.
- For a smoother mashed potato texture, use a potato ricer or food mill.
- Let the cutlets rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them firm up before serving.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Minced Meat: A great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids.
- Cheese: Packed with calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
- Fresh Dill: A good source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the meat mixture is free of any gluten-containing fillers.
- High in Protein: This recipe is packed with protein from the meat and eggs.
- Low-Carb: The mashed potatoes provide the main source of carbs, making this a satisfying but relatively low-carb meal.
- Dairy-Friendly: Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream, but can be made dairy-free by substituting with dairy-free alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
Storage:
- Store leftover cutlets and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little butter or milk to the mashed potatoes for creaminess.
- The cutlets can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven or skillet from frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The stuffed cutlets are juicy and flavorful, with a delicious, creamy filling.
- The mashed potatoes are smooth, cheesy, and comforting, making a perfect base for the savory cutlets.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance.
- The combination of meat and potatoes is satisfying and hearty, perfect for any dinner.
Conclusion: Stuffed Cutlets with Mashed Potatoes is the ideal dish for those who love comforting and hearty meals. The combination of tender cutlets filled with a creamy, cheesy filling paired with smooth mashed potatoes is unbeatable. It’s an easy-to-make meal that can be served to both family and guests, ensuring everyone is satisfied. This dish is customizable to your taste, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat for the cutlets?
Yes, you can use chicken, turkey, or lamb for the cutlets if you prefer. - Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cutlets and mashed potatoes a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit any breadcrumbs from the meat mixture. - Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream, cheese, and butter with dairy-free alternatives. - Can I freeze the stuffed cutlets?
Yes, you can freeze the cutlets after frying. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat when ready. - How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges of the cutlets well and avoid overstuffing them. - Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh mashed potatoes are preferred, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time. - How do I store leftover mashed potatoes?
Store leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to a month. - Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the filling for added flavor. - How long will the cutlets take to cook?
It usually takes about 3–4 minutes per side to sear the cutlets, followed by an additional 5–7 minutes to cook through.