Crispy Potato Cakes with Mushroom & Meat Filling

Introduction

Crispy Potato Cakes with Mushroom & Meat Filling deliver irresistible crunch and a deeply satisfying savory center perfect for comfort food fans and party hosts alike. Their golden, crisp exterior gives way to a richly flavored mix of tender mushrooms and hearty meat, winning over even the pickiest eaters.

Serve these at dinner, as a unique appetizer, or as a show-stopping snack—one bite and you’ll see why this savory treat is a universal crowd-pleaser.

What Makes These Potato Cakes Stand Out?

The secret is in the harmonious blend of creamy, well-seasoned potato crust and the succulent filling. The classic pairing of mushrooms and meat offers a nuanced umami flavor, while garlic and herbs boost the aromatic appeal. Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, these “cakes” are uniquely satisfying, offering comfort with every forkful.

Essential Tips for Shaping and Prepping Potato Cakes

Grate your potatoes and squeeze out as much liquid as possible for maximum crispness. To save time and ensure uniform potato shreds, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Chill your mixture briefly before shaping to help the cakes hold their structure for frying.

When preparing the mushroom and meat filling, avoid excess moisture—sauté ingredients until most liquids evaporate. This step ensures your cakes remain crispy rather than soggy.

Frying vs. Air Frying: Choose Your Crunch

For traditional crispy results, a quick pan fry in a nonstick skillet—such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—does the trick with minimal sticking.

If you love a hands-off, lighter approach, use an air fryer like the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for similarly golden results. For easier cleanup, line your basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.

Creative Serving Suggestions

Serve your potato cakes hot with a dollop of sour cream, herbed yogurt, or a fresh salad stored in a leakproof Bentgo Salad Container for lunch on the go. For a hearty main, pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. These cakes also reheat well, making them ideal for meal prepping.

Nutritional Information & Yield

This recipe yields around 10–12 potato cakes, depending on size. Each cake contains approximately 180–220 calories, with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the mushrooms and potatoes. It’s a savory treat to enjoy as a balanced meal or snack.

Crispy Potato Cakes: Why You’ll Want to Make Them Again

Every bite delivers that perfect balance of crunch and umami-packed center—exactly what homemade comfort food should be. Versatile and impressive, these cakes can be made ahead and customized for vegetarians if needed.

Instructions

1. Peel and grate the potatoes using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper or a box grater. Squeeze out excess liquid by wrapping the shreds in a clean dish towel.
2. In a large bowl, mix grated potatoes, grated onion, egg, flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Chill for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. Add chopped onions, garlic, and sauté until tender. Stir in mushrooms and cook until their juices have evaporated.
4. Add the ground meat, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
5. Take about 2 tablespoons of potato mixture, flatten in your palm, add a spoonful of filling, and cover with more potato mixture. Shape into a compact cake, enclosing the filling completely.
6. For pan frying: Heat oil in your skillet on medium heat. Place potato cakes in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crispy.
7. For air fryer: Brush or spray cakes with oil. Arrange in a single layer in your COSORI Air Fryer lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
8. Serve hot with your favorite dip or salad.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food upgrade—crispy potato cakes with a hearty, savory surprise inside!