Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes with Meat Filling, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any meal. These golden potato cakes are stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, sautéed onions, and carrots, then coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or side dish, these stuffed potato pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Packed with flavor and easy to make, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with a creative twist on classic mashed potatoes. Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy exteriors and soft, flavorful centers with every bite!

A comforting and hearty dish, these Mashed Potato Pancakes with Meat Filling are a delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy delights. Filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, sautéed onions, carrots, and parsley, these stuffed potato pancakes are perfect for dinner, as an appetizer, or even for a creative brunch.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

6 cups leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 large egg

For the Filling:

1 lb ground meat (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef)
1 small/medium onion, finely diced
1 large carrot, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup fine breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
1 tsp salt
Pinch of black pepper

For Cooking:

Olive oil for sautéing and frying

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper, then transfer to a separate dish.
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed by the diced onions and grated carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and golden. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Add minced garlic and parsley, stir for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove the filling from the heat.

Prepare the Pancakes:

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, 1 egg, and 1 cup of flour. Mix until the dough is smooth and pliable.
Dust your hands with flour and scoop a rounded portion of the potato mixture (about the size of an ice cream scoop). Flatten it into a disk in your palm.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat filling in the center of the disk. Pinch the edges of the potato disk to enclose the filling, forming a stuffed pancake. Dip each pancake in breadcrumbs, turning to coat evenly, and then gently flatten into a disk shape.

Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Fry the stuffed pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

Ensure the mashed potatoes are firm and not overly wet to make shaping the pancakes easier.
Add a sprinkle of flour if the potato mixture feels too sticky to handle.
Use pre-cooked or leftover meat for an even quicker preparation.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap pork for ground turkey, chicken, or beef to suit your taste preferences.
Add grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Cheddar, to the filling for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pancakes up to the frying step and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Fry just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well as a substitute.

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked pancakes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pancakes with sour cream, plain yogurt, or a dollop of apple sauce.
Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes or incorporating your favorite fillings.
Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike!
Comforting: Golden and crispy on the outside, warm and savory on the inside.

Enjoy these savory Mashed Potato Pancakes with Meat Filling for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make!