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    Home » Recipes » Cuban

    Authentic Cuban Papas Rellenas

    Published on October 28, 2022 by Chef Rodney - 2 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    cuban papas rellenas
    This authentic Cuban recipe for Papas Rellenas is the only way to use leftover Picadillo. Super easy to make and absolutely delicious!
     
    potato balls

    I recently made some Cuban Picadillo and had some left over so I decided to make another Cuban delicacy, these Papas Rellenas!

    picadillo and mashed potatoes

    If you've never heard of Papas Rellenas it's basically deep-fried stuffed potatoes. In this case, stuffed with our awesome picadillo.

    potato balls

    💭 Recipe Variation

    Instead of deep frying the potato balls, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 450ºF for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Personally I much prefer to deep fry them even if it won't be as healthy.

    cuban papas rellenas

    Instead of boiling the potatoes, you can also bake them in the oven. The end game is to make mashed potatoes and doesn't really matter how you get it done. Microwaving is also an option but I rarely use it.

    cuban papas rellenas

    You may be asking yourself if you can used the instant mashed potatoes for this papas rellenas recipe. I've never tried it and almost never use instant mashed potatoes but what I remember is the consistency is not as thick as using real potatoes.

    papas rellenas with picadillo

    This could present a bit of a challenge when you go to stuff the mashed potatoes with the picadillo filling. If you decide to go this route drop me a note in the comments box to let me know how they turned out.

    potato balls

    For more great recipes like this one, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Easy Beef Picadillo
    • Simple Cuban Sliders
    • Turkey Picadillo Soft Tacos
    • Ofelia's Cuban Picadillo
    • Mexican Chicken Picadillo

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Authentic Cuban Papas Rellenas recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Russet Potatoes, Cuban Picadillo, Bread Crumbs, Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Salt and Vegetable Oil.

    🥣 How to make Cuban Papas Rellenas

    Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
    In a large saucepan, add the potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
    Drain the potatoes. Mash with the butter, garlic powder and salt.
    Shape ¼ cup of mashed potatoes into a patty. Place a heaping tablespoonful of picadillo in the center. Shape potatoes around the filling forming a ball. Repeat.
    Refrigerate the potato balls for 4 hours before the next step.
    Place the eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip the potato balls in the eggs, then roll in bread crumbs.
    In a skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375ºF. Deep fry the potato balls for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

    cuban papas rellenas

    Authentic Cuban Papas Rellenas

    This authentic Cuban recipe for Papas Rellenas is the only way to use left over Picadillo. Super easy to make and absolutely delicious!
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Fridge Time 4 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Cuban
    Servings 10
    Calories 218 kcal

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Deep Fryer
    • Bowl for Mixing

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 1 lb Cuban Picadillo
    • 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
    • 2 Eggs, lightly beaten
    • Vegetable Oil, for deep frying

    Instructions
     

    • Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
    • In a large saucepan, add the potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
    • Drain the potatoes. Mash with the butter, garlic powder and salt.
    • Shape ¼ cup of mashed potatoes into a patty. Place a heaping tablespoonful of picadillo in the center. Shape potatoes around filling forming a ball. Repeat.
    • Refrigerate the potato balls for 4 hours before the next step.
    • Place the eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip the potato balls in the eggs, then roll in bread crumbs.
    • In a skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375ºF. Deep fry the potato balls for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

    Notes

    Instead of deep frying the potato balls, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 450ºF for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 359mgPotassium: 561mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Delicious Cuban Recipes

    • bowl of guiso de maiz
      Cuban Corn Stew (Guiso De Maiz)
    • Cuban Beef Ropa Vieja
      Cuban Beef Ropa Vieja
    • cuban sliders
      Easy Cuban Sliders
    • easy beef picadillo
      Easy Beef Picadillo
    hot rods recipes

    Reader Interactions

    2 Comments

    1. Evelyn Garcia

      January 20, 2023 at 9:08 am

      These are delicious, I only had one problem, my potatoes Crack open when I put them in the fridge and then when I baked them can you tell me why?

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        January 20, 2023 at 11:35 am

        Never had that happen to me. Maybe something with the potatoes. The reason I like to put them in the fridge is to help them keep their shape when you drop them in the oil.

        Reply

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