If you crave the ultimate comfort food mashup, let me introduce you to Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings. Imagine golden, crispy mashed potato cups, perfectly deep-fried and overflowing with smoky BBQ beef and gooey cheddar. Every bite is pure happiness: crunchy outside, creamy inside, rich with tangy sauce and savory meat. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want to shake up family dinner, Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings will steal the show and win hearts every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it real: the magic of Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings is all about simple ingredients working together in delicious harmony. Each component brings its own flavor and texture, making every cup a mini masterpiece.
- Mashed potatoes: Use cooled, made-ahead mashed potatoes for the best structure and a creamy base that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to help the potatoes hold together during shaping and frying.
- Large egg: Acts as the binder, giving your potato cups that lovely, cohesive texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Provides the crave-worthy, golden crunch on the outside—don’t skip this!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the potatoes and the beef for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for deep-frying, giving you that crispy finish without overpowering flavors.
- Ground beef: Rich, savory, and the key to a hearty, satisfying filling.
- Small onion: Finely chopped for sweet, aromatic depth in the beef mixture.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, for that irresistible savory punch.
- BBQ sauce: Go store-bought for ease or homemade for your own signature twist—either way, it brings smoky, tangy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly delicious (feel free to sub in your favorite cheese here).
How to Make Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small crumbles as you go. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat for a less greasy filling. This step is the foundation of flavor for your Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant. This is where the filling gets its sweet, aromatic backbone—those little bits of onion and garlic make all the difference.
Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce
Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well, letting the beef absorb all that smoky, tangy flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before the next step.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese
Once the beef mixture is slightly cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will start to melt the cheese, making the filling extra rich and gooey. This is what gives Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings its irresistible, melty center.
Step 5: Make the Mashed Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This mixture should be sturdy enough to shape but still tender for that creamy bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cups
Scoop out golf-ball-sized portions of the potato mixture and roll them between your hands. Flatten each ball into a small patty, then use your thumb or a spoon to create a well in the center—this will hold your beef filling.
Step 7: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the BBQ beef and cheese mixture into each potato well. Carefully fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching gently to seal while keeping the cup shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—rustic is beautiful!
Step 8: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Roll each filled potato cup in breadcrumbs, giving them a light, even coating. This is your ticket to that ultra-satisfying crunch when you bite in.
Step 9: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Gently lower a few cups at a time into the hot oil, frying for 3–4 minutes until perfectly golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 10: Serve Warm
Serve your Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings while they’re still warm, with an extra side of BBQ sauce for dipping if you like. They’re perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish—just try not to eat them all at once!
How to Serve Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, or a few pickled jalapeño slices for a pop of color and zesty flavor. These finishing touches elevate Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings from comfort food to showstopper in seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair these crispy cups with a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. If you’re going all in, serve with extra potato wedges, corn on the cob, or classic baked beans—the possibilities are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the cups on a platter with tiny toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces. If you’re making Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings for dinner, serve them in individual ramekins or atop a bed of greens for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Kids love them in muffin liners for a fun, mess-free treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to keep them crisp and fresh.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these! Place the cooked, cooled potato cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. They’re a lifesaver for quick snacks or last-minute guests.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy again—about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust a bit.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe, as they’re usually firmer and easier to shape into cups. Just make sure they’re cooled before mixing.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Any good melting cheese will work beautifully in Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, you can bake the cups at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but are still delicious and a bit lighter.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions and you’re good to go! The results are just as tasty and perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Shape and fill the cups, then refrigerate (unfried) for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just coat in breadcrumbs and fry or bake—so convenient for parties or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to wow your friends and family, Q Beef and Cheese
35 minutes
12 servings is your answer. It’s hearty, crispy, and full of flavor—the kind of recipe that turns any occasion into a celebration. Give it a try and let the compliments roll in!
Q Beef and Cheese 35 minutes 12 servings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 mashed potato cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Loaded with BBQ Beef and Cheese are a crispy, savory treat perfect for parties or a comforting snack. Creamy mashed potato shells encase flavorful BBQ beef and melted cheddar cheese, fried to golden perfection for a crunchy exterior and gooey, satisfying filling.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cups
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably made ahead and cooled)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
BBQ Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ beef filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with BBQ sauce: Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix in cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined. Set filling aside.
- Make the mashed potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, and flour. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Form mashed potato cups: Roll the mashed potato mixture into 12-15 golf-ball-sized portions. Flatten each ball into a small patty, creating a well in the center for the filling.
- Fill the cups: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the BBQ beef mixture into the well of each patty.
- Seal the cups: Carefully fold the edges of the mashed potato around the filling to enclose it completely, forming a cup shape.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each filled potato cup lightly in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat oil for frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to fully submerge the cups.
- Fry the cups: Gently lower the mashed potato cups into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain excess oil: Remove cups with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm: Serve the deep-fried mashed potato cups immediately, with additional BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for best results as they hold shape better when cooled.
- Ensure the BBQ beef filling is not too wet to prevent the cups from getting soggy.
- If you prefer, bake the cups at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust seasoning of both mashed potatoes and beef filling to taste before assembling.
- Carefully handle the cups when frying to avoid breaking them apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1 stuffed potato cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
