There’s something downright comforting about a dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground meat, and gooey melted cheese. These Mashed Potato Patties with Cheesy Ground Meat Filling hit every craving—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oozing with melted cheese and seasoned meat in the center. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet homely, the kind of food that brings people together around the dinner table.

These patties are versatile too—you can serve them as a hearty main dish, a side, or even a snack. They’re perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes or cooked meat, yet the final result tastes like something made from scratch at a cozy café. Whether you fry them until golden or bake them for a lighter option, each bite is rich, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Potato Mixture:

• 3 large potatoes (about 700 g), peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm milk

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 egg (to bind the mixture)

• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for firmer texture)

For the Meat Filling:

• 300 g (10 oz) ground beef or pork (or a mix)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup (optional, for added richness)

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for freshness)

For Coating and Frying:

• ½ cup (60 g) flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs

• Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash while hot with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool slightly before mixing in the egg and breadcrumbs. This will give your patties structure.

2. Cook the Meat Filling:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Then, add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

3. Season the Meat:
   Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Add the tomato paste (if using) for color and depth of flavor. Once the meat is cooked and aromatic, stir in the shredded cheese and chopped herbs. Mix until the cheese just begins to melt. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Shape the Patties:
   Take a scoop of mashed potato (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it into a small disc in your hand. Spoon a bit of the meat filling into the center, then cover it with another spoonful of mashed potato. Seal the edges gently and form it into a patty shape. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

5. Coat the Patties:
   Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Gently dredge each patty in flour, dip it in egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage.

6. Fry the Patties:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Baking Option (Healthier):
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the breaded patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until crisp and golden. Flip halfway through for even browning.

8. Serve:
   Serve the patties hot with sour cream, ketchup, garlic yogurt sauce, or your favorite dip. Garnish with fresh herbs for that final touch of color and freshness.

Nutrients (per serving, approximately 2 patties):

• Calories: 310 kcal

• Protein: 16 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 85 mg

• Sodium: 320 mg

• Calcium: 80 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these Mashed Potato Patties with Cheesy Ground Meat Filling. They’re comforting, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. The crispy golden coating gives way to soft mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth, and then you hit that savory, cheesy meat filling—it’s comfort food perfection. This recipe is also a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers or sneak some extra protein into your meal. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and reheat when you need a quick, hearty bite.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish takes inspiration from Eastern European and Slavic comfort food traditions, where potatoes and meat often form the heart of a meal. Recipes like Russian zrazy, Polish kotlety, and Ukrainian potato cakes share the same comforting concept—simple ingredients turned into something deeply satisfying. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the addition of cheese turned it into a modern, crowd-pleasing twist. It’s a cross between a croquette and a stuffed dumpling—rich, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes: The base of the recipe—starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best because they mash smoothly and hold shape.
Ground Meat: You can use beef, pork, or chicken. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile—beef is hearty, pork is juicy, and chicken is light.
Cheese: Melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar are ideal for that irresistible cheesy pull.
Breadcrumbs: They create that golden, crispy crust that makes the first bite unforgettable.
Spices and Herbs: Paprika and oregano add warmth and depth, while parsley brings a fresh balance to the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10–12 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it softens the coating. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months—just separate them with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw slightly and fry or bake directly from frozen.

Common Variations to Try

Chicken and Spinach Filling: Swap ground meat for shredded chicken and stir in chopped spinach and cream cheese.

Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Add feta or ricotta for creaminess.

Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar for a morning treat.

Mini Bites: Make smaller versions for party appetizers—perfect for dipping!

Pairing Recommendations

These patties pair wonderfully with creamy dips like sour cream with dill, garlic yogurt sauce, or even a tangy mustard sauce. For sides, serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. They also go well with coleslaw or a side of pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. As for drinks, a cold beer, iced tea, or even sparkling lemonade works beautifully to balance the richness.

Health Benefits

While undeniably indulgent, these patties can still be made wholesome. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, and using lean meat keeps the fat content moderate. Baking instead of frying cuts down on oil, and using fresh herbs boosts flavor without extra calories. You can even swap out breadcrumbs for crushed oats or almond meal if you want a gluten-free version. Plus, since these are portioned individually, they help with mindful eating—one or two are enough to satisfy!

Conclusion

These Mashed Potato Patties with Cheesy Ground Meat Filling are the kind of food that reminds you why homemade meals are unbeatable. They’re hearty, crisp, and comforting, with a burst of flavor and melty cheese in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making something impressive yet easy, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet full of flavor. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—because some dishes just feel like home, and this one absolutely does.