Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Potato Balls Recipe

Table of Contents

Boil the Potatoes: Peel 5 medium potatoes and cut them into cubes. Place the cubes in a pot of boiling salted water and cook until they are soft, about 10-12 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 1 oz (30 g) of butter and mash until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped dill, chives, or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté the Onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Red Pepper: Add the chopped red pepper to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute until slightly softened.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add 1 lb (450 g) of ground beef to the pan. Season with salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper to taste. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato and Garlic: Stir in the chopped tomato, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 crushed garlic clove. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Shape the Potato Balls: Take a portion of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a medium-sized ball. Create a hollow center in each ball by pressing gently with your thumb or a spoon.
Fill with Cheese and Beef: In the hollow center, place a generous pinch of grated cheese followed by a spoonful of the beef mixture. Top with a little more cheese before sealing the ball with additional mashed potato.
Repeat: Continue shaping and filling until all the potato puree and beef mixture are used.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease an ovenproof dish with a little olive oil. Carefully arrange the stuffed potato balls in the dish, ensuring they are snugly nestled together.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the potato balls are golden and crispy on the outside.

Serve Hot: Serve these cheesy beef-stuffed potato balls warm from the oven as an appetizer, main dish, or satisfying snack.
Pair with Salad: For a complete meal, pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Add a Sauce: Serve with a dipping sauce like sour cream, marinara, or garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.

Versatile: These stuffed potato balls can be served in many ways—appetizers, snacks, or main dishes, making them perfect for any occasion.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese creates a delicious blend of textures and tastes in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients, this recipe is both budget-friendly and easy to make.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, these potato balls are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Avoid Overcooking the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until just tender to prevent them from becoming too watery and difficult to shape.
Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as ground turkey, sautéed mushrooms, or even a vegetarian option like spinach and feta.
Prep Ahead: Save time by preparing the mashed potatoes and beef filling in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Creative Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs or drizzle with a favorite sauce for a beautiful presentation.