Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal, these Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese are the perfect dish. Combining golden-brown potato pancakes with a rich, meaty filling, this recipe is a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, soft inside – The perfect balance of textures.
- Savory and hearty – Packed with a delicious beef and cheese filling.
- Budget-friendly and simple – Uses pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Great for meal prep – Perfect for making ahead and reheating.
- Kid-friendly and satisfying – A great way to sneak in protein with a fun presentation.
Ingredients for Potato Pancakes with Beef and Cheese
For the Pancakes:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free version)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Savory Beef Filling:
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
How to Make Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Pancake Mixture
- Grate the Potatoes – Use a box grater or a food processor to finely grate the potatoes.
- Remove Excess Moisture – Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Savory Beef Filling
- Heat the Oil – In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef – Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Season the Beef – Add salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and minced garlic. Stir well.
- Melt in the Cheese – Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Potato Pancakes
- Heat a Skillet – Add a little oil to a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Form the Pancakes – Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it into a thin round shape in the pan.
- Add the Filling – Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture on top. Cover with another layer of the potato mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges.
- Fry Until Golden – Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes
- Drain the potatoes well – Excess moisture can make the pancakes soggy instead of crispy.
- Use the right oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil works best for frying.
- Keep them warm – If making multiple batches, keep them warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven.
- Try different cheeses – Mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack work well for extra creaminess.
- Make them ahead – Store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan or oven.
Serving Suggestions
These savory potato pancakes pair well with a variety of dips and sides:
- Sour cream and chives for a classic touch.
- Garlic yogurt sauce for added creaminess.
- Spicy ketchup or hot sauce for a little heat.
- Side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in a pan for best results.
These Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese are an absolute treat—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Try them today and enjoy a comforting homemade meal!