Savory Beef Potato Roll

This hearty Beef Potato Roll combines the comfort of tender potatoes with seasoned ground beef for a satisfying meal that looks impressive but comes together with simple ingredients. The cheesy potato blanket wraps around savory beef filling, creating perfect slices that reveal a beautiful spiral pattern when served.

I first created this recipe when searching for a unique way to use up leftover potatoes and ground beef. What began as kitchen experimentation has become one of my family's most requested dinners. The way the cheese melts between the potato layers while baking creates an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Potatoes form the foundation of this roll providing structure and comforting flavor. Choose starchy varieties like Russets for the best texture.
• Eggs bind the potato mixture together ensuring it holds its shape when rolled.
• Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy melty goodness throughout the roll. Freshly shredded works better than pre packaged.
• Ground beef brings hearty protein to the dish. Select 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor.
• Onion and garlic provide aromatic base notes that enhance the beef filling.
• Tomato paste concentrates umami richness in the meat mixture.
• Fresh tomatoes add brightness and juiciness to balance the savory elements.
• Spices like paprika and red pepper flakes add warmth and depth without overwhelming heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potato Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and combine grated potatoes eggs 1 cup mozzarella and seasonings in a large bowl. This mixture should be thoroughly mixed to ensure the eggs coat all potato shreds. Spread this mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet over a layer of cheese creating a uniform rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set.

Create the Beef Filling

While the potato base bakes sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef breaking it into small pieces with your spoon and cook until no pink remains. The meat should be evenly browned with a slightly crispy texture in spots which adds textural contrast to the final dish.

Season the Filling

Add tomato paste and stir to coat the meat mixture allowing it to slightly caramelize for 1 minute. This intensifies the tomato flavor. Then add diced tomatoes all seasonings tomato sauce and water. Let this simmer for 10 to 15 minutes uncovered allowing the liquids to reduce and flavors to concentrate. The mixture should be moist but not watery.

Assemble and Roll

Once the potato base has cooled slightly evenly spread the beef filling across the surface leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the meat and carefully begin rolling from one short end creating a log shape. Use the parchment paper to help lift and roll maintaining a tight cylinder. This technique prevents breaking while creating that beautiful spiral effect.

Final Bake

Return the roll to the oven for 15 minutes allowing the cheese to melt throughout and flavors to meld together. The exterior should develop a slightly crispy golden texture while the interior remains moist and tender. Let rest before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Bookmark

My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese pull into beautiful strands when serving hot slices to my family. The first time I made this my youngest daughter who typically avoids meat dishes completely cleared her plate and asked for seconds. Now whenever she sees me grating potatoes she gets excited knowing what's coming for dinner.

Perfect Potato Selection

The type of potato you choose makes a significant difference in this recipe. Russet potatoes work wonderfully as their higher starch content creates a base that holds together well during rolling. Yukon Golds are my second choice offering a naturally buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes as they contain too much moisture and not enough starch to create the proper structure. If your grated potatoes seem very wet place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

Make Ahead Options

This Beef Potato Roll is perfect for busy households as several components can be prepared in advance. The potato mixture can be assembled and kept refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking. Similarly the beef filling can be cooked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. When ready to assemble simply bring the filling to room temperature before spreading onto the baked potato base. The entire roll can even be assembled and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before the final baking step making it perfect for entertaining when you want to prepare food before guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this Beef Potato Roll pairs beautifully with several side dishes. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the hearty roll. For a complete meal consider serving alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts which can cook at the same oven temperature. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top of each slice adds pleasant tanginess while fresh herbs like dill or chives sprinkled over each portion brighten the presentation and flavor. For gatherings slice the roll into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Customization Ideas

The basic structure of this recipe lends itself to endless variations based on your preferences and what you have available. Switch ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute a mixture of sautéed mushrooms lentils and walnuts for a hearty meatless version with similar texture. Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar for tang or pepper jack for heat. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating different herbs such as rosemary thyme or oregano into the potato mixture or meat filling.

Bookmark

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the beef potato roll in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Bake the potato base and prepare the beef filling up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the roll just before serving. You can also fully assemble the roll, refrigerate it, and bake it later with an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time.

→ What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?

You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, provolone, or a mild cheddar. For a different flavor profile, consider using Gruyère or fontina. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well for that perfect gooey texture inside the roll.

→ How do I prevent the potato crust from cracking when rolling?

To prevent cracking, make sure the potato layer isn't too thick or thin (about 1/4 inch is ideal). Let the baked potato base cool slightly but not completely before adding the filling and rolling. The cheese in the potato mixture helps bind it together, so ensure it's evenly distributed. Rolling slowly and gently also helps maintain the integrity of the crust.

→ Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of grated fresh potatoes?

While the texture will be different, you can use leftover mashed potatoes as a substitute. Mix them with the eggs and cheese, spread on the baking sheet, and proceed with the recipe. The roll might be less sturdy and have a softer texture, but the flavors will still be delicious.

→ What sides pair well with beef potato roll?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a more substantial meal, serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls. The yogurt mentioned in the recipe makes an excellent cooling sauce, especially when mixed with fresh herbs or a touch of lemon juice.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover beef potato roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave slices for 1-2 minutes, though the texture won't be as crisp. The roll can also be frozen for up to 3 months - thaw overnight before reheating.