Instructions
Begin by preparing the mashed potato nests. Mash the boiled potatoes with butter until smooth, then mix in the egg yolk, salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and grated cheese if using.
Spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins, shaping them into little nests with a hollow center. Bake the nests briefly to firm them up before filling.
For the filling, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and red bell pepper until softened. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks, and stir in garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Once browned, mix in tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Spoon the savory mixture into the potato nests, then top with shredded cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden.
How to Make
To create the perfect potato nests, make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy, which allows them to hold their shape better in the muffin tins.
Pre-baking the nests helps them stay sturdy for the filling. The filling should be rich and flavorful, so allow the meat and vegetables to cook down well with the tomato sauce.
Once topped with cheese and baked again, the dish comes together with a crispy potato edge, a savory center, and a gooey cheese topping that makes it irresistible.
Variations
These nests can be made with different fillings to suit your taste. Try swapping the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, sausage, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
