Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Sabor de Cuba›Papa Rellena Recipe

Papa Rellena Recipe

Inspired by Sabor de Cuba
Time1h
Serves6

Mashed potato stuffed with ground beef

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Ingredients

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Filling

Mashed Potatoes

Breading

Method

Filling Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Ground Beef

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

  2. 2

    Sauté Vegetables

    Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Season the Mixture

    Stir in ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, green olives, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

Mashed Potatoes Preparation

  1. 4

    Boil Potatoes

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add peeled and cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

  2. 5

    Mash Potatoes

    Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

  3. 6

    Cool the Mashed Potatoes

    Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before using them to form the Papa Rellena.

Assembly and Cooking

  1. 7

    Form the Papa Rellena

    Take a scoop of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center, then fold the potatoes around the filling to form a ball. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

  2. 8

    Prepare for Frying

    Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each potato ball first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.

  3. 9

    Fry the Papa Rellena

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded potato balls in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes each. Drain on paper towels.

  4. 10

    Serve

    Serve the Papa Rellena hot with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa.

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