Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried patties combining quinoa and potatoes filled with spiced beef, served with a tangy green chili cilantro sauce. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs potatoes, quinoa, ground beef for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 3 medium potatoes (about 600g) into 1-inch cubes. Boil in salted water (1/2 tsp salt) for 15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 1 cup quinoa (170g) under cold water, then cook in 2 cups water for 15 minutes until fluffy; fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion (70g) and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 200g ground beef, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 7 minutes until beef is browned and fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked quinoa, and the beef mixture. Mix thoroughly. Form into 8 equal patties approximately 3 inches in diameter.
  5. Step 5: Set up a dredging station: in one bowl, beat 1 large egg with 2 tbsp water; in another bowl, place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g). Dip each patty first in the flour, then in the egg wash.
  6. Step 6: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  7. Step 7: For the Aji Verde sauce, blend 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 small deseeded green chili, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Serve the warm patties topped with a generous drizzle of Aji Verde sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stuffed Quinoa and Potato Patties with Aji Verde Sauce?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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