Potato Patties with Meat Filling – Crispy, Golden, and Comforting
If there’s one dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and that irresistible golden crunch, it’s these Potato Patties with Meat Filling. Whether you grew up calling them potato cutlets, stuffed potato cakes, or just plain delicious, this recipe is a comforting classic found in many cultures—from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and beyond.
What makes these patties so special? It’s the perfect contrast: creamy mashed potatoes on the outside, juicy seasoned meat tucked inside, and a crispy outer layer that sizzles to perfection in the skillet. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or a hearty snack—they’re always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥔 Comforting and hearty – Warm, flavorful, and satisfying.
- 🥩 Packed with savory goodness – Each bite has a delicious surprise inside.
- 🧄 Great for leftovers – Use up mashed potatoes or ground meat from earlier in the week.
- 🍽️ Versatile – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or party platters.
- 🌍 A global favorite – Found in various forms across many cuisines.
Ingredients
For the Potato Dough:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (more if needed)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef or ground lamb
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Coating and Frying:
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain and mash them while still hot. Add butter and mash until smooth.
- Let them cool slightly, then mix in one egg and flour. Knead gently to form a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 2: Make the Meat Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion until soft and golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground meat, salt, pepper, and spices. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in chopped parsley and let the filling cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Patties
- Divide the potato dough into equal balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Flatten each ball in your palm to create a circle.
- Place about a tablespoon of the meat filling in the center.
- Gently fold and seal the edges, then flatten into a thick patty shape.
Step 4: Coat and Fry
- Dip each patty into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry patties in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed potato patties are delicious on their own, but you can easily dress them up or build a meal around them.
- 🥗 With a side salad – Try crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette.
- 🍅 With dipping sauces – Garlic yogurt, spicy ketchup, sour cream, or tzatziki.
- 🍚 Over rice or with grains – Serve with bulgur, rice pilaf, or couscous.
- 🥪 As a sandwich – Tuck into a pita or bun with lettuce and pickles for a savory stuffed sandwich.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crisp texture.
Tips for Perfect Potato Patties
- Cool the mashed potatoes before adding egg and flour for a firmer dough.
- Don’t overfill the patties or they may burst while frying.
- Seal the edges tightly to keep the filling inside.
- Breadcrumbs give extra crisp – Try panko for extra crunch.
- Mix and match fillings – Chicken, turkey, mushrooms, or lentils work great too.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, get creative with variations:
- 🧀 Cheesy center – Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the meat for a gooey surprise.
- 🌶️ Spicy version – Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- 🌿 Herb-rich – Fold dill, chives, or basil into the potato dough for a fresh twist.
- 🥬 Vegetarian option – Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or mashed lentils.
A Little Backstory
Stuffed potato patties are beloved around the world. In Latin America, they’re similar to papas rellenas. In Eastern Europe, you’ll find versions like kartofelniki. The Middle East has kebbat batata, and in India, they’re close to aloo tikki with fillings.
What ties them all together? The magic of pairing mashed potatoes with a hearty filling and frying them to crispy perfection. No matter what you call them, they offer the kind of rustic comfort that always satisfies.
Final Thoughts
These Potato Patties with Meat Filling are the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. Crisp on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, they’re a satisfying choice for any occasion. Make them ahead for easy weeknight dinners, add them to your party spread, or enjoy them fresh out of the pan with your favorite dip.
It’s a simple idea with endless possibilities—and one that brings big flavor to your table.
