Transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal has never been easier than with this mashed potato with meat filling recipe. Golden, crispy on the outside and bursting with savory meat inside, these pancakes make a perfect lunch that your family and friends will love. They’re budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and a creative way to reinvent leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious new dish.
This recipe is inspired by classic home-cooked meals, where humble ingredients like potatoes and ground meat are elevated into a comforting treat. Perfect for lunch, these pancakes are filling enough to serve as a main course, yet light enough to pair with a fresh side salad, pickles, or a dollop of sour cream. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or a crowd, this recipe is flexible, forgiving, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Dough:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ pound ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, or a meat substitute)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil for pan-frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the ground meat of your choice, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Optional parsley can be stirred in at the end for a fresh flavor boost. Once cooked, set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potato Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour until manageable. The key is to keep the dough soft but not sticky so it can easily encase the meat filling without breaking.
Step 3: Shape the Pancakes
Dust your hands with a little flour to prevent sticking. Take approximately two tablespoons of the mashed potato dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a spoonful of the prepared meat filling in the center, fold the edges over, and gently shape it into a patty. The pancake should be thick enough to hold the filling but not so thick that it will take too long to cook through. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
Step 4: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the pancakes, leaving space between each to ensure even cooking. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip the pancakes, taking care not to break them. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these mashed potato with meat filling pancakes hot for lunch or dinner. They’re delicious on their own or paired with sour cream, plain yogurt, or a spicy dipping sauce. For a more complete meal, accompany them with a simple green salad, pickled vegetables, or roasted seasonal veggies.
Tips and Variations
- Meat options: Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even shredded cooked meat work well. For a vegetarian option, try lentils, beans, or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Cheese twist: Add a small piece of cheese into the meat filling for a gooey surprise.
- Extra flavor: Incorporate finely chopped spinach, peas, or herbs for additional nutrition.
- Texture variation: For a creamier dough, mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Mini patties: Make smaller versions for lunchboxes or party appetizers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store uncooked pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Freezing: Cooked pancakes can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a ziplock bag. Reheat in the oven or skillet for a quick lunch.
- Reheating: They reheat beautifully in a skillet or oven, maintaining their crisp exterior and warm filling.
Why This Recipe Works for Lunch
This mashed potato with meat filling recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. It’s filling, flavorful, and adaptable to what you have in the pantry. Leftover mashed potatoes shine in this dish, while the savory meat center transforms a simple lunch into a satisfying, hearty meal. These pancakes are a wonderful way to stretch ingredients while still serving something that feels special.
Whether it’s a busy weekday, a casual weekend lunch, or a family dinner, these pancakes are quick to prepare, easy to customize, and loved by everyone at the table. They are a simple reminder that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
