Mediterranean Stuffed Potato Cups with Savoury Meat and Cheese Filling
These Mediterranean stuffed potato cups are crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and bursting with bold, savory flavor. Each potato “cup” is filled with a seasoned ground meat mixture, sautéed with garlic, herbs, and vegetables, then topped with a blend of melty cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they make a satisfying and fun dish ideal for lunch, light dinners, or even party appetizers.
Total Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 (makes 12 potato cups)
Ingredients
For the Potato Cups:
6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), peeled
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the Meat Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
300g (10 oz) ground beef or lamb
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
¼ cup chopped black or kalamata olives (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and feta
Optional: sprinkle of grated Parmesan
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or mini tart tins.
Prepare Potato Cups
Grate peeled potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water.
Season and Press
In a bowl, toss grated potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Press about 2–3 tablespoons of grated potato mixture into each muffin cup, shaping up the sides to form a “cup.”
Pre-Bake Shells
Bake potato cups in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until edges are golden and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Filling
While the cups bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Cook the Meat
Add ground beef/lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add bell pepper and olives; cook for 2–3 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
Stuff and Top with Cheese
Fill each pre-baked potato cup with the meat mixture, pressing down slightly. Sprinkle cheese over the top of each.
Final Bake
Return to oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Let cool slightly, then remove gently from muffin tin. Garnish with extra parsley or a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Tips
Drain potatoes well: Squeezing out moisture from the grated potatoes ensures crisp cups that hold their shape.
Grease well: Lightly oil the muffin tin or use silicone liners to prevent sticking.
Make ahead: You can prep the potato cups and meat filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
Variations:
Switch up the meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Cheese combos: Mix mozzarella with feta, goat cheese, or kasseri for a true Mediterranean touch.
Veggie-packed: Add chopped spinach, grated carrot, or mushrooms to the meat filling.
Spice it up: Add harissa paste or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bold flavor.
Mini appetizer version: Use a mini muffin tin and serve these as finger food for gatherings.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or mashed chickpeas mixed with the same seasonings.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. After baking and cooling, freeze on a tray, then store in a container. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven until hot.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Oven or air fryer is best to keep them crispy. Microwave works too but will soften the potato shell.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Definitely! Grated sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet twist and work great as a substitute.
Nutrition
Calories: ~330
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~420mg
Calcium: ~15% DV
Iron: ~18% DV
(Varies with meat type and cheese selection.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Stuffed Potato Cups are everything you love about comfort food with a Mediterranean twist—crispy grated potato shells, spiced meat filling, and melty cheese all in one perfect bite. Whether served as a fun dinner, party snack, or meal-prep favorite, they’re hearty, customizable, and easy to make ahead. Add a simple salad or dip like hummus or tzatziki for a complete, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of flavor and texture.