Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese

Picture this: crispy, golden-brown potato cups on the outside, stuffed with tender BBQ beef and gooey melted cheese on the inside. It’s like the ultimate comfort food gets an upgrade with a crispy twist. These Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese are perfect for parties, tailgates, or whenever you’re craving a fun and satisfying snack. Trust me, you’re going to love these little bite-sized pockets of happiness!

Why You’ll Love Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese

Here’s why this dish is about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer:

Crunchy on the Outside, Creamy on the Inside

The exterior of these little cups is perfectly crisped to golden perfection, while the inside is a soft and creamy mashed potato with savory BBQ beef and melty cheese. It’s a flavor and texture combo that’s simply irresistible.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re hosting a big get-together or just need a snack for yourself, these deep-fried potato cups are sure to be a hit. They’re fun, filling, and bursting with flavor. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Customizable

Love a bit of heat? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to your BBQ beef filling. Want to make them extra cheesy? Throw in a mix of different cheeses. These little cups are a great base for experimenting with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste.

Comfort Food with a Twist

Mashed potatoes are already a comfort food staple, but when you stuff them with BBQ beef and cheese, they become something entirely special. It’s a playful take on classic comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy potato cups:

For the Mashed Potato Cups:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base for your potato cups. Make sure they’re smooth and well-seasoned.
• Flour: Helps bind the mashed potatoes together for the perfect texture to shape your cups.
• Eggs: Gives the mashed potatoes structure and helps them hold their shape when fried.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch to the outside of your potato cups.
• Cheese (optional): A little bit of shredded cheese mixed into the potatoes makes these cups extra cheesy.

For the BBQ Beef Filling:

• Ground Beef: The base for the filling. It gets seasoned and cooked with BBQ sauce for a flavorful kick.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds that smoky, tangy flavor to the beef, making it the perfect complement to the mashed potatoes.
• Cheese: A melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella works wonders in the filling, making it ooey-gooey and irresistible.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these savory little bites:

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then add the BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the beef and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is thick but pliable. If you want, add some shredded cheese to the potatoes for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Cups

Take a small amount of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Then, press the ball into a cup shape, using your thumb to create a hollow space in the middle for the filling. Repeat until all the mashed potatoes are used.

Step 4: Fill the Cups

Spoon the BBQ beef filling into the hollowed-out mashed potato cups, packing it in tightly. Top each cup with a little extra cheese if desired.

Step 5: Fry the Potato Cups

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the potato cups into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cups and drain them on paper towels.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re crispy and golden, let the potato cups cool slightly before serving. These little cups are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese

• As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy cups as a fun appetizer at your next dinner party or gathering. They’re perfect for passing around and snacking on.
• With a Side of Dipping Sauce: Pair them with extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
• As a Party Snack: These are perfect for game day or tailgating. Serve them up in a big platter and watch everyone dive in!
• On Their Own: These deep-fried potato cups are filling enough to be a standalone dish. Enjoy them as a light lunch or dinner, paired with a side salad.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, this is a great way to repurpose them into something new and exciting.
• Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the BBQ beef for an extra kick.
• Air Fryer Version: If you want to avoid deep frying, you can make these in an air fryer! Just spray the cups with a little oil and cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Freezing: These potato cups freeze wonderfully. You can freeze them before frying and then fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different meat for the filling?
A1: Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork would work great as alternatives to ground beef.

Q2: Can I make these without frying them?
A2: Yes! You can bake the potato cups in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden if you want to skip the frying.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potato cups and BBQ beef filling ahead of time. Simply assemble the cups and refrigerate until ready to fry.

Q4: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A4: Yes, store-bought mashed potatoes will work just fine. Just make sure they’re smooth and not too watery before using them for the cups.

Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes! Freeze the assembled but uncooked potato cups, then fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.

Q6: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
A6: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love! Whether it’s smoky, sweet, or tangy, any variety will work perfectly in this recipe.

Q7: Can I make these vegetarian?
A7: Yes! Simply substitute the BBQ beef with a meat alternative, like tempeh or tofu, and you’ve got yourself a vegetarian version.

Q8: How do I keep these from falling apart when frying?
A8: Make sure to pack the mashed potato cups tightly and coat them with enough breadcrumbs. This will help them hold together while frying.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A9: Of course! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would make a great addition to the BBQ beef filling.

Q10: Can I make these with a different type of cheese?
A10: Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would work wonderfully in these potato cups. Get creative with your cheese selection!

Conclusion

These Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, savory, and cheesy. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just because, these little bites will be a hit. So go ahead, make them, and get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for more!

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