Spud Beef Bonbons Sweet Potato Minced Beef Croquettes
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort Food?
Fancy something a bit different? Ever wondered what happens when shepherd’s pie gets a makeover? Well, let me introduce you to sweet potato and minced beef croquettes! Honestly, these little spud and beef bonbons are proper game changers.
A Bite Sized Taste of Home
These ain't your average croquettes. Think Spanish tapas meets British comfort food! It’s a delicious combination of sweet and savory.
Originating from the desire to use up leftovers creatively. These crispy beef croquettes are perfect for sharing or even as a cheeky mid-week treat.
This recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 30 minutes. Chilling needs at least 60 minutes. Cooking is only 15- 20 minutes.
You'll get around 16-20 croquettes.
Why You'll Love These
One major perk? They are surprisingly nutritious! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins. The lean beef provides protein. Plus, they're a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids.
These shepherd's pie croquettes are fab for parties. They're also ideal for a cozy night in. What makes these so special? It's the combination of textures and flavors.
The creamy beef and sweet potato mash inside contrasts perfectly with the crispy, golden exterior. And they are great leftover roast beef recipes , if you have any!
Let's gather up the ingredients, shall we?
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these glorious sweet potato and minced beef croquettes. Think of it as gathering your kit for a culinary adventure.
We are making Spud and beef bonbons .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients Breakdown
First, the sweet potato. You'll want 2 medium sweet potatoes (approx. 500g / 1 lb) . Make sure they are firm and without soft spots.
That means good quality. You'll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30ml) for roasting them.
Next, the beef. Grab 500g / 1.1 lbs of lean minced beef . The leaner, the better, to avoid greasy crispy beef croquettes .
Also get 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15ml) , 1 medium onion , 2 cloves of garlic , 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs , 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika , 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper , 100ml / ½ cup of beef stock , and 2 tablespoons of tomato puree (tomato paste) (30 ml) .
For the coating, we need 100g / ¾ cup of all-purpose flour , 2 large eggs , and 150g / 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs .
Panko makes them extra crispy, like proper Spanish tapas croquettes . Don't forget the vegetable oil for frying!
Seasoning Sensations
The spice combo for the beef is crucial. The mixed herbs give a classic flavour. Smoked paprika adds depth. Cayenne pepper is optional, but adds a cheeky kick.
For a quick sub, use Italian seasoning instead of mixed herbs. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the beefiness too.
This also adds flavor for a really good sweet potato and beef filling .
Essential Equipment
Keep it simple, yeah? You'll need a baking sheet for the sweet potatoes. A large saucepan or skillet is essential for the beef.
A potato masher makes the sweet potato lovely and smooth. Get 3 shallow bowls for breading. Crucially, you'll need a deep fryer or a large pot.
A slotted spoon or spider is super useful for removing the Shepherd's pie croquettes . If you want to be proper about it, get a thermometer for checking the oil.
Honestly, don't stress if you don't have everything. A fork can mash potatoes. A regular pan can work for frying.
It's about adapting! Plus, you could even use leftover roast beef to make these. What a fantastic way to use leftover roast beef recipes !
Spud & Beef Bonbons: Sweet Potato & Minced Beef Croquettes
Alright, let's get cracking! Sweet potato and minced beef croquettes , eh? Sounds like a right proper comfort food mash-up.
Almost like a shepherd’s pie took a trip to Spain and got a crispy new look. Honestly, these are perfect for using up leftover roast beef recipes … if you ever have any leftovers that is!
These little golden brown beauties are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. They’re like shepherd's pie croquettes , but way more fun.
We're talkin' savory, seasoned sweet potato and beef filling , all wrapped up in a crispy, crunchy coating. Think shepherd’s pie meets Spanish tapas croquettes .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, the mise en place is key. Peel and cube about 500g of sweet potatoes. Chop one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic.
It sounds boring, but trust me, it’ll save you time later.
For a time saving tip, I like to prep everything while the oven is preheating to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Safety first, remember to always use a sharp knife. No one wants a trip to A&E!
step-by-step to Crispy Perfection
- Roast the sweet potato: Toss sweet potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20- 25 minutes , or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Brown the beef: Add 500g of lean minced beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). Pour in 100ml of beef stock and 2 tablespoons of tomato puree. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Mash and mix: Mash the roasted sweet potato until smooth. Then, gently combine the mashed sweet potato with the minced beef mixture. Season to taste.
- Chill out: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour , preferably longer. This is crucial!
- Bread and fry: Roll the chilled mixture into small, oval shapes. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) and deep fry until golden brown.
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
Here’s a little secret. For extra crispy beef croquettes , use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Trust me, they make all the difference.
A common mistake is not chilling the mixture enough. This is so important! If you don’t chill it long enough, you'll end up with a right mess when frying!
Want to get ahead? Make the sweet potato and beef mash a day in advance and keep it chilled. Then all you need to do is bread and fry when you're ready! How brill is that?
So there you have it: Spud & Beef Bonbons! Get in the kitchen and give 'em a go. You know you want to.
Right, let's talk shop about these smashing sweet potato and minced beef croquettes! We're going to dish out all the extra bits and bobs you need to know to make 'em top-notch.
Think of it as our secret handshake, yeah?
Recipe Nuggets of Wisdom
Honestly, a recipe is just the start. Proper cooking? That's all about the little tips. Like my nan used to say, "It's the seasoning that makes the man!" Or, in this case, the perfect spud and beef bonbons .
Show Off Your Spud & Beef Bonbons
Presentation is key, innit?
Serve these crispy fellas hot off the fryer. A bit of parsley never hurt anyone. Dollop of aioli, perhaps? A sprig of rosemary? They look amazing scattered on a platter as Spanish tapas croquettes .
Imagine them at your next footie night!
What about sides? A light salad cuts through the richness. Or some coleslaw, for a bit of crunch. A proper beef and sweet potato mash underneath? Inspired.
If you’re feeling fancy, some grilled asparagus adds a touch of class. Maybe you even wanna wash it down with a pint of proper ale or a crisp cider.
Sorted!
Storing Your Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
Avoid waste.
Got leftover sweet potato and beef filling ? Pop them in an airtight container. They'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .
To reheat, just whack them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until they're heated through. Microwaving works too, but they won't be as crispy .
Freezing these comfort food croquettes is a doddle. Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Fry from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye, yeah?
Twists on a Classic
Fancy something different?
Want a bit of a kick? Add chili flakes to the minced beef sweet potato recipe filling! Make these shepherd's pie croquettes by using leftover lamb.
Or, if you're going veggie, try lentils instead of the beef. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make gluten-free crispy beef croquettes .
Play around with seasonal ingredient swaps ! Roasted butternut squash can be lovely instead of sweet potato in the autumn.
Quick Lowdown on the Good Stuff
A little info never hurts!
Each serving (roughly two croquettes) is around 250-300 calories. You're getting about 15-20g of protein from the beef, which is great for muscle.
Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A, good for your eyesight. Remember, these are just ballparks; it all depends on what exactly you put in them.
So, there you have it! All the extras to make these sweet potato and minced beef croquettes a right success.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun, not a chore! Get in the kitchen and create something amazing.
You've got this! And, for the days where you have some leftover roast beef recipes on your hands, you know how to repurpose them for extra flavour in these snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my sweet potato and minced beef croquettes falling apart when I fry them? Crikey!
Chances are, the mixture wasn't chilled enough, mate! The chilling process is crucial for the croquettes to hold their shape. Make sure you chill the sweet potato and minced beef mixture for at least an hour, or even better, overnight, before rolling and breading.
Also, be gentle when handling them, and don't overcrowd the fryer!
Can I make these sweet potato and minced beef croquettes ahead of time? I'm having a right knees-up and need to be organised!
Absolutely, you can prep these little beauties in advance! You can form and bread the croquettes, then store them in the fridge (on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper) for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze them before frying.
When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen, but be prepared to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
I don’t have panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs for my sweet potato and minced beef croquettes?
No worries, you can certainly use regular breadcrumbs if that's all you've got in the pantry. Panko breadcrumbs do give a lovely, extra crispy coating, but regular breadcrumbs will still do the trick. For a bit of extra crunch with standard breadcrumbs, you could try toasting them lightly in a dry pan before using.
Is there a way to make these sweet potato and minced beef croquettes a bit healthier? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
Good on you for thinking about that! You can bake these croquettes instead of deep frying for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the breaded croquettes on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
Alternatively you can reduce the amount of minced beef, and add vegetables.
What can I serve with these sweet potato and minced beef croquettes? I want to make a proper spread!
These croquettes are quite versatile! They're delicious served with a dollop of aioli or garlic mayo for dipping. A side of creamy coleslaw or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also complement them nicely.
For a more substantial meal, you could serve them alongside some roasted vegetables or even as part of a tapas spread with other Spanish inspired dishes.
Can I freeze leftover sweet potato and minced beef croquettes?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked croquettes. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container.
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy, and try consuming them within 2-3 months for the best quality. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Spud Beef Bonbons Sweet Potato Minced Beef Croqu
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |