🌿 Overview

A hearty Mediterranean comfort dish made from creamy herbed mashed potatoes formed into nests, filled with savory spiced minced meat, peppers, and onions, then topped with cheese and baked until golden. Perfect as a main course or for special gatherings.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Potato Nests:

  • 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk (or more, for creaminess)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or parsley)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onion (optional)

For the Filling:

  • 400 g (about 1 lb) minced beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

For Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or a Mediterranean cheese blend (like kasseri, kefalotyri, or provolone)
  • Extra dill or parsley for garnish

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
  2. Drain and mash while still hot.
  3. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in the chopped dill and chives. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add minced meat and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in garlic, bell peppers, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
  6. Stir in parsley and remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Form the Potato Nests

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Using your hands (lightly oiled), shape the mashed potatoes into thick discs (about 2.5–3 inches wide and 1 inch high).
  3. With a spoon or your thumb, press a well into the center of each disc to create a “nest.”
  4. Fill each nest generously with the minced meat mixture.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled nest.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
  • Serve with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables.
  • Pairs wonderfully with a glass of light red wine or mint lemonade.

💡 Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of lentils and chopped mushrooms.
  • You can add feta cheese crumbles into the mashed potato mix for a tangy twist.
  • Make smaller nests for appetizer portions or larger ones for a main dish.