There’s something about potato pancakes with savoury beef and cheese that hits all the right notes crispy, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying. Whether you’re wrangling kids, juggling Zoom calls, or just trying to survive a Wednesday, this is the kind of meal that feels like a cozy blanket after a long day.
It’s hearty enough for dinner, fun enough for a weekend brunch, and honestly? You might end up sneaking one cold straight from the fridge. No judgment here.
So let’s dive into these cheesy beef stuffed potato cakes that are about to become your new favorite way to elevate weeknight dinners.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Potato Pancakes with Savoury Beef and Cheese
If you’re a fan of comfort food with a little twist, these beef pancakes are a dream. Here’s why you’ll be flipping over them (pun totally intended):
- The golden, crispy potato exterior wraps around a warm, cheesy beef filling. Think beef stuffed potatoes meet grilled cheese… with a crispy crust.
- You can prep them ahead and freeze for later ideal for those crazy nights when cooking feels like climbing Everest.
- It’s a one-skillet wonder with minimal mess and maximum reward.
Craving more cozy comfort food? Try these juicy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs – they’re an easy, hearty favorite!
Ingredients (Just the Good Stuff!)
We’re keeping it simple but flavorful. You’ll find all the details down below in the recipe card, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- Potatoes & onion – shredded and seasoned to perfection.
- Eggs & flour – to help bind your pancakes into golden bundles of joy.
- Ground beef, onion, and garlic – for that rich, savory base.
- Cheddar cheese – because melty cheese inside a potato pancake? Yes, please.
- Italian seasoning – just enough to give the filling a little kick.
Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Potato Pancakes with Savoury Beef and Cheese
1. Prep the Potato Pancake Batter
Start by grating the potatoes and onion. Give them a good squeeze with a clean towel or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture this helps keep your pancakes crispy instead of soggy. Mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Set aside while you cook the filling.
2. Make the Savory Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté your diced onion and garlic in a drizzle of oil until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once it’s cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly this makes it easier to handle.
3. Assemble Your Cheesy Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes
Grab a scoop of the potato mixture and flatten it in your hand like a mini pancake. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, then top with another bit of potato batter. Gently seal the edges and press into a thick pancake. Repeat until all your filling is used up.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be patient this is where the magic happens.
Place the finished pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Love bold flavors? Don’t miss this quick and tasty Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe – perfect for busy weeknights!
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yields: 6-8 hearty pancakes
Cooking Tips for Success
- Drain your potatoes well – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Let the beef mixture cool slightly before stuffing, so it’s easier to shape the pancakes.
- Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet for the best crust without sticking.
- Want to go spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the beef mix.
Craving something cheesy and comforting? These melty, savory French Onion Meatball Melts will hit the spot!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef pancakes hot with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce. These also pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies if you’re feeling fancy.
They make a killer party appetizer (just form them smaller), or a satisfying lunch you can reheat at the office microwave and still impress your coworkers.
Make Ahead & Storage
These cheese stuffed potato cakes store like a dream:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped pancakes and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and crispy no soggy microwaved sadness here.
- To reheat: Skip the microwave and use a skillet or oven to bring back that crispy crust.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
These cheesy beef stuffed potato cakes were born on a cold, chaotic Tuesday night kids were hangry, I had zero dinner plans, and the fridge offered… not much. I threw together what I had, and what came out of the pan was nothing short of a miracle. Now, they’re a staple in our rotation aka my secret weapon for keeping dinner drama-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these beef pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate up to a day ahead. You can even freeze them (pre- or post-cooking). Just reheat in a pan or oven for best texture.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Totally. Just keep in mind they’re a bit more moist, so be sure to squeeze out the extra water really well.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar melts beautifully, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are also delish. Want a spicy kick? Try pepper jack!
Are these potato pancakes gluten-free?
They’re not by default (thanks to the flour), but you can sub in a gluten-free flour blend and you’re good to go.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the beef for a plant-based alternative or seasoned lentils. Still hearty and full of flavor.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t get quite as crispy. Bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What side dishes go well with these beef stuffed potatoes?
Simple greens, pickled veggies, or a tangy slaw. They also love sour cream or a garlicky yogurt dip.
My pancakes fell apart what went wrong?
Too much moisture in your potato mix is often the culprit. Be sure to squeeze them well and don’t skip the flour and eggs they’re your binding buddies.
The Takeaway
These potato pancakes with savoury beef and cheese are everything you want in comfort food crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you call them beef pancakes, cheese stuffed potato cakes, or just “that amazing thing you made last night,” they’re bound to become a regular in your dinner lineup.
And hey, if your kids eat them without asking what’s inside? That’s a win in my book.
👉 Don’t forget: ingredients and exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card. Happy cooking!
Potato Pancakes with Savoury Beef and Cheese
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Grater or Food Processor
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 4 large potatoes grated
- 1 small onion grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- oil for frying
Savory Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Grate potatoes and onion. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, mix with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese until melted. Let cool slightly.
- Take a scoop of the potato mixture and flatten it into a disc. Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center, then top with another scoop of potato and seal edges. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.