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
Scale
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.
