Here’s a delicious recipe for Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes stuffed with a savory meat filling—perfect as a hearty appetizer, brunch, or comfort food dinner.

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🥔 Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes with Savory Meat Filling

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled & chopped

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk (or cream)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 egg, beaten

• ½ cup flour (plus more for dusting)

Savory Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground beef, pork, or a mix

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

For Frying

• ¼–½ cup vegetable or canola oil

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🔪 Step 1 — Cook the Meat Filling

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.

3. Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon.

4. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

6. Let cool slightly.

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🥔 Step 2 — Prepare Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (~15–20 minutes).

2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Allow mashed potatoes to cool slightly.

4. Stir in beaten egg and flour until mixture is thick enough to hold shape.

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🥞 Step 3 — Form the Pancakes

1. Lightly flour your hands and a work surface.

2. Take a scoop of mashed potatoes (~¼ cup), flatten into a disc.

3. Place a spoonful of meat filling in the center.

4. Cover with another scoop of mashed potatoes, seal the edges, and gently flatten into a pancake (~½ inch thick).

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🔥 Step 4 — Fry

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Fry pancakes in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

3. Drain on paper towels.

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🍽️ Serve

• With sour cream, gravy, or a spicy dipping sauce.

• Can be paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal.

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⭐ Tips for Success

• Make sure mashed potatoes are slightly firm; too soft makes pancakes fall apart.

• Seal edges well to prevent filling from leaking.

• You can bake instead of fry: brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes per side.

• Variations: swap ground meat with pulled chicken, sausage, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

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If you want, I can also give a cheesy version with mozzarella filling, a spicy version, or a mini appetizer bite version perfect for parties.