Hearty Cheesy Beef Roll

This hearty beef potato roll transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dinner that's both comforting and impressive. The creamy potato exterior wraps around savory beef filling for a perfect balance of textures that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

I first created this roll when looking for creative ways to use up leftover potatoes. What started as kitchen experimentation has become one of our most requested family meals especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

• Medium potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russet for best texture and binding
• Large eggs: Essential for binding the potato mixture together
• Mozzarella cheese: The melty texture creates perfect stretch and richness
• Salt and pepper: To taste; always season each layer for depth of flavor
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color to the potato mixture
• Ground beef: 80/20 fat ratio provides best flavor while not being too greasy
• Large onion: Creates sweet aromatic base for the filling
• Garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds essential depth of flavor
• Tomato paste: Concentrates umami flavor in the beef mixture
• Large tomatoes: Adds moisture and freshness to the filling
• Seasonings: Carefully balanced spices create complexity without overwhelming
• Tomato sauce: Brings everything together with rich tomato flavor
• Water: Helps create proper consistency for filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Oven and Potato Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 350°F then combine grated potatoes with eggs mozzarella and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers. The eggs will seem insufficient at first but keep mixing and they will bind everything perfectly.

Create Potato Base:

Line your baking tray with parchment then sprinkle with cheese before adding potato mixture. Press the potato mixture firmly and evenly across the tray creating a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. The initial cheese layer creates a fantastic crust that prevents sticking and adds flavor.

Bake Potato Base:

Bake the potato layer for 25 to 30 minutes watching carefully after 20 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown and the surface should be set when touched lightly. This cooking time ensures the potatoes are cooked through before adding filling.

Prepare Beef Filling:

While potatoes bake sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add beef breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. The meat mixture should cook until no pink remains but not become dry or tough.

Season and Simmer Filling:

Add tomato paste diced tomatoes and all seasonings stirring well to combine. Pour in tomato sauce and water allowing everything to simmer gently until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. The filling should be moist but not soupy.

Assemble the Roll:

Once potato base has cooled slightly spread the beef filling evenly across the surface leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle remaining cheese over beef layer creating an even distribution for perfect melting.

Roll and Bake Again:

Starting from one of the shorter sides carefully roll the potato layer with filling inside creating a log shape. Work slowly to maintain the integrity of the roll pressing gently to keep everything compact.

Final Baking:

Return the roll to the oven for about 15 minutes until heated completely through and cheese has melted throughout. The exterior should be golden and slightly crisp while the interior remains tender and juicy.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the roll to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into portions. This crucial step allows the cheese to set slightly preventing filling from spilling out when cut. Serve with yogurt for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.

Save

The grated potato mixture might seem too loose at first but during baking it transforms into a wonderfully cohesive layer that holds everything together perfectly. My family especially loves when I add a bit of smoked paprika to the beef filling for an extra dimension of flavor.

Storage Solutions

This beef potato roll stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat simply place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The texture actually improves slightly as flavors meld together overnight making this a perfect make ahead meal for busy households.

Creative Variations

You can easily customize this roll to suit your preferences and pantry. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a substitute for beef. For a vegetarian version replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms zucchini and bell peppers. The potato base remains the same creating a versatile canvas for various fillings based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Save

Serving Suggestions

While this roll is a complete meal on its own I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. For special occasions add a dollop of sour cream alongside the yogurt and sprinkle with extra fresh herbs just before serving for restaurant quality presentation that will impress guests.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your potato mixture seems too wet after grating place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients. For the perfect roll ensure the potato layer is evenly spread not too thick or thin as this affects cooking time and rolling ability. Allow proper cooling time before rolling to prevent cracks in the potato layer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this beef potato roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the final baking time if starting from cold.

→ What's the best way to grate the potatoes?

For best results, use a box grater with medium-sized holes. After grating, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture - this helps achieve a crispier crust that holds together well during rolling.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this dish?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that perfect melt and stretch, you can experiment with cheddar for sharpness, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or a combination. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well for that cohesive roll.

→ What sides pair well with beef potato roll?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement it well. For a complete meal, serve with the suggested yogurt topping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

→ How do I prevent the potato crust from breaking while rolling?

Allow the baked potato layer to cool slightly before rolling - about 5 minutes. Use the parchment paper to help lift and guide the roll, and work slowly and carefully. If any cracks appear, gently press them back together and the cheese will help bind everything during the final bake.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of the beef potato roll?

Yes, leftovers freeze well. Cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen slices in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.