Image Credit : Youness Chehab
Ingredients
– **4 large potatoes**, peeled and grated
– **1 pound ground beef**
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
– **1 onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Olive oil**, for frying
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
1. **Grate the Potatoes**: Peel and grate the potatoes into a large bowl.
2. **Season and Squeeze**: Sprinkle salt over the grated potatoes. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This helps in getting crispy potato cakes.
#### Step 2: Make the Potato Patties
1. **Form Patties**: Take a handful of the grated potatoes and form them into small patties.
2. **Fry the Patties**: Heat a good amount of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the potato patties until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
#### Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling
1. **Brown the Beef**: In the same frying pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
2. **Add Onions and Garlic**: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. **Season**: Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
#### Step 4: Assemble the Potato Cakes
1. **Stuff the Patties**: Take one potato patty and place a spoonful of the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Cover with another potato patty and press the edges together to seal.
2. **Fry the Stuffed Cakes**: In the same frying pan, add a bit more olive oil and fry the stuffed potato cakes until crispy and golden on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Plate Up**: Transfer the stuffed potato cakes to a serving plate.
2. **Garnish (Optional)**: You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. **Serve Hot**: These stuffed potato cakes are best enjoyed hot. Serve them as they are or with a side of sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
### Tips and Variations
– **Cheese Variations**: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
– **Vegetarian Option**: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian version.
– **Add Veggies**: You can add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the cheesy, beefy goodness of these stuffed potato cakes!
