Oh, you’re in for a serious treat with this Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe! Imagine crispy, golden mashed potato cups with a bubbling, savory BBQ beef and melted cheese center. This dish combines the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes with the rich, tangy flavors of BBQ beef and the irresistible stretch of gooey cheese. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or any time you want to impress your friends with a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. You’re going to love every bite of this crispy, cheesy, meaty delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect blend of textures and flavors—from the tender mashed potatoes forming the crispy cups to the hearty BBQ beef and gooey cheese filling.
- 3 cups mashed potatoes: Use cooled, preferably made ahead to ensure firmness for shaping the cups.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the potato mixture for better structure when frying.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: For a crunchy coating that adds an irresistible texture contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the potato cups and the BBQ beef filling perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for deep frying to achieve that golden crisp exterior.
- 1 lb ground beef: Forms the delicious meaty base of the filling.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the BBQ beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory punch that enhances the filling’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Provides that signature tangy BBQ flavor—choose your favorite!
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or swap for your preferred cheese to add creamy, melty goodness inside each cup.
How to Make Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s deliciously browned and crumbly. This step is important to develop flavor and texture, so don’t rush it! Drain any excess fat to keep the filling rich but not oily.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté them together until the onions turn soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This elevates the beef with beautiful aroma and flavor depth, making the filling truly irresistible.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce and Season
Stir in your BBQ sauce and cook the mixture for an extra 2 minutes. This allows the beef to soak up the tangy, smoky goodness of the sauce. Remember to season with salt and pepper to your taste—this final seasoning ties all the flavors together perfectly. Set the filling aside to cool slightly, so it’s ready to handle when filling the potato cups.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheese
Once the filling has cooled a bit, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This not only adds cheesiness but also helps the filling hold together better while giving you that perfect melty surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Form the Potato Cups
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a moldable dough. Lightly grease a muffin tin, then press the potato mixture into each cup, forming sturdy walls and a base that can hold the filling.
Step 6: Fill and Coat
Fill each potato cup with a generous spoonful of the BBQ beef and cheese mixture. Then, carefully coat each cup with breadcrumbs to create that crunchy outer layer after frying.
Step 7: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato cups in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, roughly 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
How to Serve Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten these rich cups with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, which adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also drizzle a little sour cream or a tangy ranch dressing for an extra creamy contrast that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe with a light, zesty side salad or some crisp coleslaw. The freshness provides a fantastic balance to the deep-fried goodness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these potato cups on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a casual party vibe. Or, add some mini dipping bowls around the tray filled with extra BBQ sauce, spicy aioli, or a cool cucumber yogurt dip to enhance the experience. They also make great finger foods for game days or potlucks, easy to grab and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, briefly reheat in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
Freeze the potato cups before frying by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to frying time for a perfect crisp.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that satisfying crunch, bake the cups in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method revives their crispy exterior and warm, cheesy filling wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While homemade mashed potatoes yield the best texture and flavor, you can use instant mashed potatoes if needed. Just make sure they are thick and well-chilled to hold their shape well during frying.
What other fillings can I try instead of BBQ beef?
Get creative! Pulled chicken with your favorite sauce, spicy chorizo and cheese, or even a veggie and mushroom mix would work wonderfully in these potato cups.
Is deep frying necessary or can I bake these?
Deep frying gives you that unbeatable crispiness. However, you can bake the cups at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy, although the texture will be a bit different.
How do I prevent the potato cups from falling apart during frying?
Make sure your mashed potatoes are not too wet, and that you use flour and egg to bind them properly. Also, chilling the formed cups before frying helps them firm up and maintain their shape better.
Can I prepare these for a party ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the potato cups and filling separately, then assemble them shortly before frying. You can also fry them in advance and keep warm in the oven, but frying last minute ensures maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a party-pleaser or a comforting snack with an exciting twist, this Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s all about crispy golden exteriors, savory BBQ beef, and melted cheese coming together in every luscious bite. Give this recipe a go, and I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite everyone keeps asking for again and again!
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 to 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious deep-fried mashed potato cups filled with savory BBQ beef and melted cheddar cheese, offering a perfect combination of crispy exterior and flavorful, cheesy filling. Ideal as an appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
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
- Prepare the BBQ beef filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook together until the onions become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce and season: Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Incorporate cheese: Mix the shredded cheddar cheese into the BBQ beef mixture thoroughly and set aside.
- Form potato cups: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough forms. Shape the mixture into small cup shapes using your hands or a muffin tin to create cavities for filling.
- Fill and coat: Spoon the BBQ beef and cheese mixture into each mashed potato cup. Carefully coat each filled cup with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the cups: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato cups carefully until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving. These deep-fried mashed potato cups are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Notes
- Use mashed potatoes that have been cooled and slightly firm for easier shaping.
- If the potato mixture is too soft, add a little extra flour to help form cups.
- Be cautious with frying temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked potato cups.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving for convenience.
- Customize the filling with your favorite BBQ sauce or cheese variety.
