Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with Meat and Cheese

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Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with Meat and Cheese 🥔🧀 – Crispy, Cheesy, and Utterly Delicious!

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or side dish, these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and filled with a savory, cheesy meat filling — they’re like mini loaded potato skins, but even better!

Perfect for parties, holidays, or family dinners, these golden potato cups are as fun to make as they are to eat. Each nest is filled with a rich, flavorful meat mixture and topped with bubbling melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food bite.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

These potato nests combine everything we love about classic comfort food into one bite-sized masterpiece: buttery mashed potatoes, hearty meat, and gooey cheese.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

  • Crispy edges + creamy centers — the best texture combo.
  • Customizable fillings for any taste or occasion.
  • Perfectly portioned for serving at parties or family dinners.
  • Make-ahead friendly, so entertaining is stress-free.
  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing every single time.

These stuffed mashed potato cups are proof that comfort food can be elegant, practical, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients for Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests

For the Potato Nests

  • 2 lbs (about 900g) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

🥔 Pro Tip: Russet potatoes yield crispier nests, while Yukon Golds create a creamier, richer flavor. You can even mix both for the perfect texture balance!

For the Meat Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas (optional, for color and sweetness)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot of cold, salted water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. Drain well and return to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate excess moisture.
  4. Mash until smooth, then mix in the butter, milk, beaten egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir until creamy and well combined. Let the mixture cool slightly before forming the nests.

âś… Cooling helps the potatoes firm up, making them easier to shape.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in corn or peas if using.
  6. Remove from heat and set aside.

The mixture should be rich, thick, and flavorful, almost like a hearty meat sauce.

Step 3: Form the Potato Nests

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. Divide the mashed potato mixture evenly among the cups (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup each).
  4. Use your fingers or a spoon to press the potatoes up the sides and bottom, creating a nest or bowl shape.
  5. Make sure the sides are thick enough to hold the filling.

Step 4: Bake and Fill

  1. Bake the empty nests for 15–20 minutes, until the edges start turning golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Spoon the meat filling evenly into each potato nest.
  4. Top generously with shredded cheese.

🧀 Choose a cheese that melts beautifully — cheddar for bold flavor or Monterey Jack for creamy smoothness.

Step 5: Final Bake and Serve

  1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let the nests cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before removing — this helps them firm up.
  3. Carefully loosen the edges with a small knife or offset spatula, then lift each nest out.
  4. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions, and serve warm.
  5. For extra indulgence, top with a dollop of sour cream.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips

  • Avoid Soggy Nests: Make sure your potatoes are well-drained and not too wet. A dry, fluffy mash will hold its shape better.
  • Cool Before Shaping: Warm mashed potatoes can be too soft — cooling helps create sturdier nests.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare both the potato mixture and meat filling up to one day in advance. Store separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
  • Freezing Tip: Bake the empty potato nests, cool them completely, then freeze. When needed, bake from frozen at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, fill, top with cheese, and finish baking.

Delicious Variations to Try

  • 🥓 Breakfast Nests: Fill with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheddar.
  • 🌿 Vegetarian Nests: Use a mix of sautĂ©ed mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions.
  • 🌶️ Buffalo Chicken Nests: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
  • 🍖 BBQ Pulled Pork Nests: Fill with leftover BBQ pork and top with smoked gouda.
  • 🧄 Italian Nests: Add marinara, sausage, and mozzarella for a lasagna-inspired twist.

The possibilities are endless — you can easily adapt these nests to fit any flavor profile or occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests as:

  • A fancy appetizer at your next dinner party
  • A hearty side dish for steak, chicken, or pork
  • A fun finger food for game day or potlucks
  • Or even a main course with a simple green salad on the side

They’re versatile, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze after baking for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave gently until heated through.

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests with Meat and Cheese are the definition of cozy, homey comfort food with a creative twist. Crispy on the outside, creamy in the center, and bursting with savory flavor, they’re perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something special.

Every bite delivers the delicious combination of buttery potato, rich meat, and melted cheese — pure comfort in a cup.

So roll up your sleeves, grab some potatoes, and make these irresistible cheesy potato nests today — they’ll be gone before you know it! 🥔💛

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