If you’re looking for a fun twist on comfort food that will wow your friends and family, this Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy golden potato cups with a gooey, savory BBQ beef and cheese center—each bite is a perfect balance of creamy mashed potatoes, smoky BBQ flavor, and melty cheese. It’s honestly the kind of dish that turns any gathering into a celebration and has everyone asking for seconds and the recipe itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component works in harmony: the creamy mashed potatoes form the perfect base, the BBQ beef adds a smoky savoriness, and the cheese brings the gooey finish that makes every bite irresistible.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: Using cooled, preferably homemade mashed potatoes helps form sturdy cups that crisp up beautifully when fried.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the potato mixture, ensuring the cups hold their shape.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the mashed potato cups intact during frying.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden coating that contrasts so nicely with the soft filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil ideal for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the rich, hearty BBQ filling everyone will love.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the beef filling with aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: The star seasoning that brings smoky, tangy deliciousness to the beef.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling for that indulgent cheesy pull.
How to Make Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to break it up into small pieces for even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the filling tasty but not greasy.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onions and Garlic
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. This step is crucial for layering flavor into your filling.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce
Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together, letting the beef absorb those rich, tangy flavors for 2 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, taste-testing to find that perfect balance, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Finally, fold the shredded cheddar cheese into your warm beef mixture. The residual heat will start to melt the cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy filling that complements the BBQ beef perfectly.
Step 5: Form the Potato Cups
In a large bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes with the flour and egg, mixing until smooth and manageable. Press the potato mixture evenly into greased muffin tins to shape small cups with a hollow center for the filling.
Step 6: Fill and Coat
Fill each mashed potato cup with a generous spoonful of the BBQ beef and cheese mixture. Then, carefully coat the outside of each cup with breadcrumbs to ensure they’ll turn delightfully crisp once fried.
Step 7: Deep Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Gently place the potato cups in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain briefly on paper towels.
How to Serve Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these crispy beauties, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and mild onion flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side makes the experience even more dreamy.
Side Dishes
These cups are rich and flavorful enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a fresh, crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad adds a perfect contrast of textures and brightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party vibe, serve these deep-fried mashed potato cups on a large platter with cocktail picks. For family dinners, arrange them around a bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also stuff smaller portions into slider buns and transform them into irresistible sliders!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the deep-fried mashed potato cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cups before frying—just shape and fill them, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or frozen cups, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore the crispy exterior and warm the filling without losing that irresistible texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While homemade mashed potatoes provide a better texture for forming cups, you can use instant mashed potatoes—just make sure they’re thicker and well-chilled so the cups hold their shape during frying.
What type of cheese works best in the filling?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to get creative with mozzarella for stringiness or pepper jack for a little kick.
Is it possible to bake these instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes until golden can be a healthier alternative, though deep frying gives the crispiest exterior.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, making the BBQ beef and cheese filling a day ahead allows flavors to meld even better. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.
What oil is best for frying the potato cups?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil all work well because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, letting your delicious cups shine.
Final Thoughts
This Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and even more delightful to share. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself. So grab your ingredients and dive into this crispy, cheesy, BBQ-filled adventure that promises smiles at every bite!
Print
Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups filled with savory BBQ beef and melted cheese are a satisfying appetizer or snack that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside. Made by shaping mashed potatoes into cups, frying them until golden, and stuffing with a rich BBQ beef filling, these bites are perfect for parties or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cups:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably made ahead and cooled)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
BBQ Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the BBQ Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the filling.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the sauce’s rich smoky sweetness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix in Cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly to add creaminess and melted cheesy goodness.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Cups: In a mixing bowl, combine cooled mashed potatoes with the all-purpose flour and egg, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined to form a moldable dough.
- Form and Coat Cups: Shape the mashed potato mixture into small cup shapes using your hands or a mold. Dip each cup into breadcrumbs to evenly coat the exterior, which will become crispy when fried.
- Deep Fry the Cups: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mashed potato cups until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon the warm BBQ beef and cheese filling into each fried mashed potato cup, serving immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead and chill them to ensure the cups hold their shape better during frying.
- Adjust the spiciness of the BBQ sauce to your taste; add a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cups from the hot oil to help them drain well and stay crispy.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the cups from absorbing excess oil.
- These cups are best served immediately after filling for optimal texture and flavor.
