I’ve made these before, and they’re honestly so good. The crispy golden outside has the perfect crunch, and then you hit the soft mashed potatoes inside that just melt in your mouth. The meat filling turns it into something extra comforting because it’s juicy and full of flavor. Every bite feels hearty and warm, and they’re so satisfying that it’s hard to stop at just one. Pan-frying gives them that amazing texture you can’t resist.
They’re great for cozy family dinners, weekend brunches, or even as a snack when you want something warm and filling. You can make them ahead, store them easily, and reheat without losing their flavor or texture. Serve them with sour cream, yogurt dip, or a light salad, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts about these potato pancakes is how satisfying and flavorful they are without being complicated. The mashed potato dough is soft and smooth, and it comes together with just a few basic ingredients. The meat filling adds richness and a little juiciness, giving you the perfect contrast of textures.
These pancakes are also incredibly flexible. You can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and season the filling however you like — spicy, mild, or even smoky. They taste amazing fresh off the pan but are just as good reheated the next day.
Make a big batch because they disappear fast. They work as a side dish, snack, or even the main star of the meal. Pair them with sauces like sour cream, garlic dip, or spicy ketchup, and you’ve got something that fits almost any craving.
Ingredients
For the Potato Dough
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Meat Filling
- 2 cups ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Filling
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden. Add the ground meat, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until the meat is fully browned and no moisture remains. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the potato dough.
2. Make the Potato Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything comes together into a soft, smooth dough. The dough should feel slightly sticky but still easy to handle.
3. Shape the Pancakes
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center, then fold the edges of the potato dough over the filling to seal it completely. Gently flatten again to form a pancake shape.
4. Fry the Pancakes
eat the remaining oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the pancakes in batches and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pancakes hot with sour cream, yogurt dip, or your favorite sauce. Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Meat Filling
Ingredients
For the Potato Dough
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Meat Filling
- 2 cups ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Frying
- 4 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Sauté onions and cook the meat with spices until fully browned. Set aside to cool.
- Combine mashed potatoes, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper to make a smooth dough.
- Shape small discs, add meat filling inside, and seal them into pancakes.
- Fry the pancakes in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Add shredded cheese to the meat filling for extra richness.
- Make them spicier by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling.
- Use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Double the batch and freeze for a quick snack later.
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes go perfectly with sour cream, garlic yogurt dip, or spicy ketchup. Serve them with fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even a light soup to make a complete, comforting meal. You can also pair them with pickles for a tangy bite.
Final Thoughts
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Meat Filling are one of those dishes that make everyone happy. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor from the savory meat filling. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the table.
