Savory Traditional German Meat Patties Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Savory german meat patties spark memories of cozy kitchen gatherings where laughter and hearty aromas fill the air.

Generations have perfected this classic dish passed down through rural kitchens across Bavaria.

Juicy ground beef mixed with subtle herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that connects you to authentic german culinary traditions.

Crisp breadcrumbs provide a delightful texture that makes each bite satisfyingly crisp and golden.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such a comforting meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Simple seasonings like parsley and onion enhance the rich meat flavors without overwhelming the palate.

You’ll want to gather your skillet and embrace this delectable recipe that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

Traditional German Meat Patties FAQs You’ll Want

• What are Frikadellen made of?

Ground meat (beef or pork), breadcrumbs, egg, onions, and seasonings like mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika create the classic German meat patty.

• Are Frikadellen similar to hamburgers?

While both are meat patties, Frikadellen have a different texture and seasoning. They’re typically more compact, herbed, and considered a traditional German dish rather than an American-style burger.

• Can I make Frikadellen ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape patties in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld together.

Why Traditional German Meat Patties Are A Classic Hit

• Craft Authentic German Flavor: Experience the rich, traditional taste of homemade Frikadellen that brings the heart of German cuisine right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Learn an easy method that transforms basic ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy these meat patties as a hearty main course, perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings with family and friends.
• Quick Protein-Packed Dinner: Prepare a satisfying meal in under half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a fast and filling option.

What You’ll Need For Traditional German Meat Patties

• Ground Meat: A flavorful base that gives the Frikadellen its hearty texture and traditional German character.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds a light, crispy texture to the patties.
• Egg: Serves as a natural binder to hold the meat mixture together.

• Onions, Parsley: Provide fresh, aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
• Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Create a rich and balanced seasoning profile for the Frikadellen.

• Oil: Used for sautéing onions and frying the meat patties to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

Cooking Up Traditional German Meat Patties The Easy Way

Step 1: Caramelize Aromatic Onions

Drizzle a touch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until they transform into a soft, golden-brown delicacy.

Allow the onions to cool slightly, releasing their sweet, mellow flavor.

Step 2: Blend Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Caramelized onions
• Zesty mustard
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoky paprika

Gently fold and mix the ingredients until they create a harmonious blend, ensuring not to overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Mold Perfect Meat Patties

Divide the seasoned mixture into uniform portions. With gentle hands, shape each portion into a robust patty, approximately three-quarters of an inch thick.

Create smooth, compact edges for even cooking.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the patties in the pan, allowing them to develop a rich, golden-brown crust. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature.

Step 5: Present and Savor

Transfer the sizzling patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve piping hot alongside tangy mustard, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp, fresh salad for a complete German-inspired meal.

Meaty Tips For Traditional German Patties

• Select high-quality ground meat with balanced fat content for juicier, more flavorful patties.
• Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together better during cooking.
• Avoid overmixing the ingredients to prevent dense, tough frikadellen; mix gently until just combined.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Experiment with herb variations like thyme or chives to personalize the traditional German recipe and add unique flavor profiles.

Simple Swaps For German Meat Patties

• Herb Fusion Patties: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to the meat mixture for an aromatic herbal profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix finely chopped jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper into the meat blend for a zesty kick that brings heat to the classic German patties.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano to transform the patties with Mediterranean flavors.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Fold crispy chopped bacon bits and a touch of smoked paprika into the meat mixture for a rich, smoky dimension that adds depth to the original recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Traditional German Meat Patties

• Pair with Hearty German Beer: A crisp, malty lager like Pilsner perfectly complements the savory meat patties, cutting through their richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Create a Tangy Mustard Accompaniment: Prepare a homemade mustard sauce with Dijon, whole grain mustard, and a touch of honey to add zesty brightness that elevates the frikadellen's robust taste.
• Match with Creamy Potato Side: Whip up traditional German-style potato salad dressed with a warm bacon vinaigrette, providing a classic side that balances the meat's heartiness with smooth, tangy notes.

Keep Traditional German Meat Patties Fresh And Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover frikadellen in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and safety.
• Freeze: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Microwave Reheat: Place patties on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Skillet Reheat: Warm a skillet with a little oil over medium-low heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring their crispy exterior and preventing dryness.

Traditional German Meat Patties Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy Frikadellen bring German street food magic to home kitchens with hearty, seasoned ground meat perfection. Crispy exterior and tender inside promise a delicious bite that connects home cooks directly to classic European comfort cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef and pork mix

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Caramelize finely diced onions in a skillet with oil over medium heat until translucent and golden, approximately 5 minutes. Allow onions to cool slightly.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, whisked egg, caramelized onions, robust mustard, fragrant parsley, seasoning salt, cracked black pepper, and smoky paprika. Gently fold ingredients without overmixing.
3. Portion the meat mixture into uniform rounds, pressing each into hearty medallions approximately ¾ inch thick with slightly curved edges.
4. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place meat patties into the pan, ensuring they do not overcrowd. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes, developing a rich mahogany crust and ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Transfer golden-brown frikadellen onto an absorbent paper towel to remove excess oil. Plate immediately with complementary accompaniments like tangy whole grain mustard, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Sauté onions slowly to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor without burning, enhancing the meat patties’ overall taste profile.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier, more complex flavor texture compared to single-meat versions.
• Handle meat mixture gently when mixing and forming patties to prevent tough, dense final result – light touch maintains tenderness.
• Test internal temperature with meat thermometer, aiming for 160°F to ensure safe consumption while maintaining moisture in German frikadellen.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg