Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese
These crispy Potato Pancakes topped with savory ground beef and melted cheddar cheese combine delightful textures and rich flavors. A perfect comfort food dish with a crispy potato base, flavorful seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, garnished with fresh herbs for a fresh finish.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Potato Pancakes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Savory Beef Topping
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the potato pancakes: Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your pancakes become crispy when fried.
- Mix pancake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely chopped onion, egg, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
- Heat oil for frying: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Form and fry pancakes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten it into a round pancake shape using the back of a spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil and keep them crispy.
- Cook the beef topping: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Season the beef: Drain any excess fat. Then, season the beef with dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Assemble the dish: Place the crispy potato pancakes on individual serving plates.
- Add the beef topping: Spoon a generous amount of the savory beef mixture over each potato pancake.
- Add and melt cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Cover the skillet for a minute or microwave the plates briefly to melt the cheese completely.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the potato pancakes immediately while warm and enjoy this comforting and hearty dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes is essential.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version of these pancakes.
- The dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the beef and using a savory mushroom or lentil topping instead.
- Leftover potato pancakes reheat well in a skillet to regain their crisp texture.
- Adjust the seasoning of the beef mixture to your taste for spicier or milder flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 potato pancake with beef and cheese)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: potato pancakes, latkes, savory beef, cheesy topping, comfort food, crispy potato dish