Potato Rolls with Minced Meat Filling

Introduction

Potato Rolls with Minced Meat Filling are a savory and satisfying dish made by wrapping a flavorful minced meat mixture in tender mashed potato dough, then baking or pan-frying them to golden perfection. Popular in many Eastern European and Middle Eastern kitchens, these rolls are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with a savory, seasoned filling. They make a great main course, side dish, or snack and are ideal for meal prep or freezing.

Ingredients

For the Potato Dough:

• 3–4 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and boiled
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef, chicken, or lamb
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter, for pan-frying
• Optional: egg wash or breadcrumbs for coating (if baking)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potato Dough:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and mash until smooth.
2. Let the mash cool slightly. Stir in the egg, flour, salt, and butter. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. Add more flour if too sticky.

2. Make the Meat Filling:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
2. Add garlic, then the minced meat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in parsley, then remove from heat and let cool.

3. Form the Rolls:

1. Divide the potato dough into equal portions (about the size of a golf ball).
2. Flatten each portion into a disk in your palm.
3. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center, then fold and seal the edges around it to form an oval or ball shape.

4. Cook the Rolls:

Option A: Pan-Fry

• Heat oil in a skillet and fry the rolls over medium heat until golden and crisp on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per side).

Option B: Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rolls on a greased baking sheet. Optionally brush with egg wash or coat in breadcrumbs.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Description

These Potato Rolls with Minced Meat Filling are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, filled with a savory, juicy meat center. The potato dough is tender and holds the filling perfectly, while the combination of spices and herbs makes each bite satisfying and full of comfort-food flavor. They’re rustic, warming, and totally satisfying.

Tips

• Chill the Dough: Let the mashed potatoes cool before adding flour and egg to make handling easier.
• Seal Well: Make sure the rolls are fully sealed to prevent filling leaks while cooking.
• Use Leftovers: Great use for leftover mashed potatoes or cooked ground meat.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze uncooked rolls and cook straight from frozen (add extra time).

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheese to the meat mixture or stuff with cheese only for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat.
• Vegetarian Filling: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or spiced chickpeas.
• Sweet Version: Try a version with mashed sweet potatoes and a cinnamon-nut filling for dessert.

Correction

• Too Sticky? Add more flour gradually to the dough, but avoid overworking it.
• Too Dry? Add a splash of broth or a bit of tomato sauce to the meat if it feels dry.
• Falling Apart While Cooking? Chill the formed rolls in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying or baking.

Enjoy

Serve these Potato Rolls with Minced Meat Filling hot and fresh with a side of sour cream, yogurt dip, or even a tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or preparing meals ahead, these golden rolls deliver comfort, flavor, and that irresistible crispy-soft combo that everyone loves. Enjoy!