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The Best Potato Pancakes with Savory Beef and Cheese

Crispy potato pancakes filled with flavorful beef and gooey melted cheese! This comforting dish is easy to make with simple steps and helpful tips.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy, Potato Pancakes, Savory
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Potato Pancake Base

  • 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and grated
  • 1 large egg for binding
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for structure
  • to taste salt & pepper season to preference

Savory Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for extra flavor

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, sharp for best taste

Cooking & Serving

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • sour cream optional topping

Instructions

  • Peel and grate the potatoes. Wrap them in a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add chopped onion (if using) and garlic powder. Cook for 8 minutes, then drain excess fat.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop ΒΌ cup of the potato mixture, flatten it into a patty, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches.
  • Top each cooked pancake with a spoonful of beef mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream.

Video

Notes

For extra crispiness, make sure to drain the potatoes well before mixing. Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack if you want a spicy kick.