Fluffy mashed potato nests filled with savory beef and veggies, topped with gooey melted cheese — a comforting, wholesome dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests – Creamy mashed potatoes shaped into nests and stuffed with a hearty beef filling, baked until golden and cheesy. A simple yet delicious dinner idea!
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Dietary Badges
🥔 Comfort Food | 🧀 Family-Friendly | 🌿 Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Potato Nests
3–5 large potatoes
3.5 tbsp (50 g) butter
A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
Salt, to taste
Smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano, to taste
For the Filling
1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 large tomato, diced
2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
For Topping
3.5 oz (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Cook Potatoes: Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well.
Mash: Mash potatoes with butter, dill, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato. Sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Form Nests: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lined baking sheet, scoop portions of mashed potato and shape into nests with a spoon (creating an indent in the middle).
Fill & Top: Spoon beef mixture into each potato nest. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Serve: Garnish with extra parsley or dill. Serve hot as a main dish or hearty side.
Brief Introduction
These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a cozy combination of creamy potatoes, rich beef filling, and melty cheese. Inspired by Mediterranean comfort food, they’re great for family dinners or even as a meal-prep option.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes give the fluffiest mash.
Cheese: Try cheddar or gouda for different flavors.
Herbs: Dill and parsley add freshness, but thyme or basil also work well.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
Mini Bites: Make smaller nests for party appetizers.
Serving Ideas: Pair with a fresh green salad 🥗 or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
Freezer: Freeze assembled (before baking) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the potato nests ahead of time?
A: Yes — shape and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead, then fill and bake.
Q: My nests are falling apart. What can I do?
A: Make sure mashed potatoes are thick (not watery). Let them cool slightly before shaping.
Q: Can I skip the cheese topping?
A: Absolutely — though the melty mozzarella really ties everything together!
Personal Note
This recipe always reminds me of cozy family dinners — hearty, filling, and satisfying. Kids especially love the “nest” shape, and adults can’t resist that cheesy topping.
Call to Action
If you try these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests, let me know what filling you used! ⭐ Share your twist in the comments — classic beef, veggie-packed, or maybe even a cheesy spinach version?
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