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Relleno De Papa

This Relleno De Papa is a flavor-packed delight! Crispy potato balls filled with savory ground beef, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Latin
Keyword: Beef, Comfort Food, Fried, Potato
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Potato Balls:

  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons butter adds richness
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder
  • 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch provides structure; may need more for coating

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons sofrito a flavorful blend of herbs and vegetables
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef the heart of the filling
  • ⅓ cup tomato sauce adds moisture and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning for flavor
  • ¾ teaspoon sazón seasoning traditional seasoning blend

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes - Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
  • Step 2: Mash the Potatoes - Add butter to the drained potatoes and mash until smooth. Incorporate egg and cornstarch, mixing well. Set aside to cool.
  • Step 3: Cook the Filling - In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up until browned.
  • Step 4: Season the Beef - Once browned, stir in sofrito, tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, and sazón seasoning. Cook until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Step 5: Shape the Relleno De Papa - Take a small portion of potato mixture, flatten it, add beef filling in the center, mold the potato around it to form a ball. Repeat until all mixture is used.
  • Step 6: Coat the Relleno - Roll each ball in cornstarch and breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
  • Step 7: Fry the Relleno De Papa - Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add potato balls, frying until golden brown on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! - Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Paper Towels

Notes

  • Ensure the potato mixture is not too wet; adjust with cornstarch as needed.
  • Test oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and brown quickly.
  • For baking instead of frying, brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.