Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Nest Cups – A 10-Minute Prep Dinner Sensation
These cheesy, crispy potato nest cups filled with seasoned ground beef, veggies, and melted cheese are perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, they’ll become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or making a special family meal.
Ingredients
For the Potato Nests:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (600-750g/21-26 oz)
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
For the Filling:
- ½ pound (225g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion (150g), diced
- 1 bell pepper (150g), diced
- 1 large tomato (150g), diced
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheese
- 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
Essential Equipment:
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Box grater
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase (10 minutes):
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease your muffin tin.
- Quick Potato Prep:
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using the large holes of a box grater.
- Mix grated potatoes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Use paper towels to press out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the beef seasoning mix (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and set aside.
Assembly (5 minutes):
- Create Potato Nests:
- Press the grated potato mixture into the muffin cups to form nests. Press firmly around the edges to shape the sides.
- Brush the tops with sunflower oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- First Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the potato nests are golden and crispy.
- Layer Your Ingredients:
- Once the potato nests are ready, add a layer of the seasoned ground beef into each nest.
- Layer the diced onion, bell pepper, and tomato on top of the beef.
- Pour the beaten egg over the layers in each cup.
- Top each cup with shredded cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success:
- For Perfect Potato Nests:
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure crispy nests.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch; it helps create the crispy texture.
- Press firmly when shaping the nests to make sure they hold together well.
- Time-Saving Tricks:
- Prep your vegetables while the potato nests are baking to save time.
- Pre-shredded cheese can be used to make the recipe even quicker.
- Brown the beef while the oven preheats for added convenience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Cups):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Variations:
- Healthier Options:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add more vegetables (like zucchini or mushrooms) for extra nutrients.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on fat.
- Flavor Variations:
- Mexican: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and top with sour cream or avocado.
- Italian: Use Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and add a sprinkle of fresh basil.
- Asian: Add ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to the beef for an Asian-inspired twist.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the potato nests and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I ensure the potato nests are crispy?
- A: To ensure crispy nests:
- Thoroughly drain any excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s essential for crispy edges.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
Q: Can I freeze these for later?
- A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled potato nest cups before baking. Once they are completely frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To cook, bake them straight from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use something other than a muffin tin?
- A: While a muffin tin is ideal for shaping individual potato nests, you can also use a mini tart pan or any other oven-safe dish to form the nests. Just make sure the nest shapes are compact and uniform for even cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have spring onions?
- A: If you don’t have spring onions, regular onions or shallots can work as a substitute. You can also use chives for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Nest Cups are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory. This quick and easy dinner comes together in just 10 minutes of prep and is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or entertaining guests. With endless flavor variations and the option to make it ahead of time, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious!