Description
Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes with Savory Meat Filling are golden, pan-fried patties made with fluffy mashed potatoes stuffed with a flavorful ground meat mixture — crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Potato Pancakes:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (cold, leftover potatoes work best)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil or butter, for frying
- For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Cook until meat is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat, stir in herbs if desired, and let cool slightly.
- Make the Potato Dough: In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes with egg, flour, salt, and pepper until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Shape the Pancakes: Divide the dough into 8–10 portions. Flatten one portion in your hand, place about 1–2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center, and fold the edges over to seal. Flatten gently into a patty.
- Fry the Pancakes: Heat a few tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato pancakes for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with sour cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of gravy.
Notes
- Leftover mashed potatoes make the best texture — slightly dry, not freshly mashed.
- Use your favorite protein (beef, chicken, pork, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version).
- These freeze well: cool completely, then store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Eastern European / Fusion