Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
- 8 ounces (225g) lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favourite melting cheese)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or potato starch for gluten-free)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
If you want to switch things up, ground lamb or turkey work beautifully in place of beef, and swapping cheddar for mozzarella or a creamy Monterey Jack can add a lovely twist. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cheese substitute and omit the egg, using a flaxseed “egg” instead.
Instructions
- Begin by squeezing the grated potatoes in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve that crisp golden exterior we’re after.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, around 6-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes, beaten egg, flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will form your pancake batter.
- Take a generous tablespoon of the potato mixture and flatten it into a small patty in your hand. Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto the centre, then sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Top with another tablespoon of potato mixture and carefully seal the edges, forming a stuffed pancake. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Fry the pancakes for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if you like, and watch them disappear in no time!
When I first made these with my mum, she reminded me that letting the beef filling cool a little before stuffing helps prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly — a little tip that made all the difference. Also, don’t rush the frying; patience is key to that perfect crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
