Decadent Cheesy Beef Potato Patties with Zesty Dill Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

1. Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the patties tender.
2. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into round or oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick. You can make them slightly thicker if you prefer, but thinner patties will crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Cook the Patties

1. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry the Patties: Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the beef is fully cooked through.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Zesty Dill Yogurt Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Well: Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve the Patties: Arrange the cheesy beef and potato patties on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle the zesty dill yogurt sauce over the patties or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef & Potato Patties:

1. Leftover Potatoes: These patties are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. If your mashed potatoes are seasoned, adjust the salt and pepper in the patty mixture accordingly.
2. Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar provides a sharp flavor, while mozzarella gives it a milder, creamier texture.
3. Binding the Patties: If the mixture is too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties together.
4. Fry in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, fry the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Variations:

• Spicy Patties: Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the patty mixture for a spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the patty mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herbed Yogurt Sauce: Add extra herbs like parsley or chives to the yogurt sauce for additional freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Beef & Potato Patties with Zesty Dill Yogurt Sauce are an indulgent yet simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese, along with the refreshing yogurt sauce, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, these patties will definitely be a hit. Enjoy every bite!