Name: Delicious Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests for Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and boiled; 2 tbsp butter; ½ cup (120 ml) milk; ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 2 egg yolks; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 small carrot, grated; ½ red bell pepper, chopped; 9 oz (250 g) ground beef; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated cheese, for sprinkling; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. These nests are made from fluffy mashed potatoes shaped into little cups, filled with a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture, and baked until golden and cheesy. Each bite is a cozy explosion of flavors that brings warmth to family dinners or meal prep. With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can serve a beautiful dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

These nests are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

**Kid-Friendly**: Perfect for picky eaters, these nests are fun to eat and customizable.
**Easy to Prepare**: With straightforward steps, this is a quick meal option for busy weekdays.
**Savory Flavor**: The combination of ground beef and vegetables creates a mouth-watering taste.
**Vegetarian Option**: Easily swap the beef for a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian delight.
**Meal Prep Friendly**: Great for making ahead of time, these nests can be refrigerated or frozen.
**Appealing Presentation**: The nests look adorable and are perfect for dinner parties or gatherings.
**Gluten-Free**: This recipe adheres to gluten-free diets, making it suitable for all.
**Perfect for Leftovers**: Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a new dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

Gather these items:

2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and boiled
2 tbsp butter
½ cup (120 ml) milk
½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 egg yolks
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small carrot, grated
½ red bell pepper, chopped
9 oz (250 g) ground beef
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
Grated cheese, for sprinkling
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, cheese, and egg yolks. Season with salt and pepper, and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, then stir in ground beef. Once browned, add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with mashed potatoes, pressing up the sides to form nests.
Step 4: Spoon beef mixture into each nest, press lightly, and top with grated cheese.
Step 5: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for dinner or meal prep.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add your favorite vegetables to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
For crispy nests, bake a few minutes longer. Watch them closely to avoid burning.

Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

Serve these delightful nests with:

A fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Make them an appetizer by using a mini muffin tin for Mini Mashed Potato Cups Recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

To store, allow the nests to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This retains their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

What is a Stuffed Mashed Potato Nest?

A stuffed mashed potato nest is a baked dish made from mashed potatoes shaped into nests and filled with various fillings such as ground beef and vegetables. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I make Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the nests ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner preparation much easier!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure potatoes are well-mashed and not too watery. Also, overfilling the nests can lead to messy results; fill them just enough to allow for a cheesy topping.

Variations of Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests You Can Try

Here are a few creative twists on the classic recipe:

For a vegetarian version, use black beans, corn, and spices instead of ground beef.
Try a breakfast variation by adding scrambled eggs and bacon bits for a hearty brunch dish.
Make them spicy by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

Delicious Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests for Comfort - Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests - main visual representation

Delicious Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests for Comfort

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are a comforting twist on classic potatoes. Fluffy mashed potatoes are shaped into nests and filled with a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture, then baked until golden and cheesy.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and boiled
2 tbsp butter
½ cup (120 ml) milk
½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 egg yolks
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small carrot, grated
½ red bell pepper, chopped
9 oz (250 g) ground beef
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated cheese, for sprinkling
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, cheese, and egg yolks. Season with salt and pepper, and let cool slightly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, then stir in ground beef. Once browned, add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin and fill each cup with mashed potatoes, pressing up the sides to form nests.
Spoon beef mixture into each nest, press lightly, and top with grated cheese.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.