Mashed Potato Beef Pancakes
Intro
These Mashed Potato Beef Pancakes are a genius way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while creating a comforting, savory treat.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with juicy, flavorful ground beef.
Perfect as a quick lunch, snack, or even a creative dinner, they combine the heartiness of shepherd’s pie with the handheld convenience of a pancake.
Dip them in sour cream, ketchup, or gravy for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes (cold, leftover works best)
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
2–3 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions with Timing
Cook beef filling (6–7 min)
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart.
Add diced onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes more until beef is browned and onions are soft.
Stir in soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix potato batter (4 min)
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cooked beef mixture, egg, and flour.
Mix until well combined. If too soft, add more flour 1 tbsp at a time until you can shape patties.
Shape pancakes (3 min)
Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and flatten into round pancakes about ½-inch thick.
Pan-fry pancakes (8–10 min)
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry pancakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain & serve (2 min)
Place pancakes on a paper towel–lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Best Results
Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better than fresh, warm ones.
You can add grated cheese into the mixture for an even richer flavor.
If you want extra crispiness, coat pancakes lightly in breadcrumbs before frying.
These can be made ahead and reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.