Discover this incredible hidden gem from a German magazine that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food masterpiece! These golden, crispy potato balls are stuffed with a savory ground beef filling and smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese. This restaurant-quality dish combines the best of European comfort cooking with unbeatable flavors that will have your family begging for the recipe. Perfect for special dinners or when you want to impress guests with something truly unique!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 14 oz (400g) ground beef
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, coarsely grated
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
For the Potato Base:
- 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and herb mix to taste
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4-5 white mushrooms, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup (200ml) heavy cream
- 3.5 oz (100g) mozzarella cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Potato Base:
- Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash potatoes using a potato masher until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and herb mix.
- Let cool slightly, then mix in beaten eggs and flour until well combined. Set aside.
Make the Ground Beef Filling: 4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. 5. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 7. Add grated carrot and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender. 8. Add chopped parsley and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
Assemble the Stuffed Potato Balls: 9. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. 10. With wet hands, form a potato patty in your palm. Add 2-3 spoonfuls of beef filling in the center. 11. Fold edges over and seal to form a large ball, or place another potato patty on top and seal edges. 12. Repeat to make 4 large stuffed potato balls. Place in prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: 13. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until golden brown. 14. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until tender. 15. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add half the grated mozzarella and stir until melted. 16. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Bake and Finish: 17. Pour mushroom sauce over the potato balls in the baking dish. 18. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. 19. Bake for additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Time, Serving & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Calories per serving: ~580 calories
- Protein: 32g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 26g
Why This Recipe is Exceptional
This German-inspired stuffed potato recipe offers outstanding nutritional benefits while delivering incredible satisfaction. The combination of lean ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for muscle health, while potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The vegetables including carrots, bell peppers, and onions add vital vitamins A and C, plus fiber for digestive health.
Garlic and parsley provide powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune function. The mushrooms contribute important minerals like selenium and potassium, while the creamy sauce adds calcium for bone health. This hearty dish combines comfort food appeal with balanced nutrition, making it perfect for family dinners when you want something both delicious and nourishing. The recipe transforms humble ingredients into an elegant meal that feels like a special occasion while providing all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional European comfort food.