Name: German Frikadellen – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef for Hearty Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; 2 slices white bread (soaked in water or milk and squeezed dry); 1 tsp mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp oil or butter for frying

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German Frikadellen are juicy pan-fried meat patties packed with flavor. This easy recipe with ground beef brings authentic German taste to your dinner table, perfect for quick and easy meals. Whether you serve them with potatoes or salad, they’re a delicious go-to. Try this dinner favorite tonight!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy German Frikadellen Recipe
3) Ingredients for German Frikadellen
4) How to Make German Frikadellen
5) Tips for Making German Frikadellen
6) Making German Frikadellen Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover German Frikadellen
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) German Frikadellen Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Authentic and hearty German meat patties made from ground beef
Perfect for weeknight dinners and easy to prepare
Main ingredients include ground beef, egg, bread, and spices
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Can be stored, reheated, and even served cold

2) Easy German Frikadellen Recipe

If you’re looking for easy recipes with ground beef that bring big flavor with minimal fuss, German Frikadellen are your next dinner hero. These juicy, pan-fried meat patties are a traditional German favorite—think of them as flavorful cousins of hamburgers, but with a delicious twist. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, onion, soaked bread, and fragrant spices, this dish comes together in no time. In fact, it’s one of the best quick and easy recipes you can whip up on a weeknight. It’s especially perfect for anyone seeking hearty, easy recipes for dinner that satisfy the whole family. At Lila Cooks (https://www.lilacooks.com), we love highlighting comfort food recipes that not only taste amazing but also fit seamlessly into busy lives. From beginner home cooks to seasoned foodies, this frikadellen recipe is approachable, authentic, and unforgettable.

3) Ingredients for German Frikadellen

Ground Beef: Use one pound of fresh ground beef for this recipe. The meat should have a little fat (around 15–20%) to keep the frikadellen moist and flavorful during pan-frying. Ground beef is the main ingredient and the base for these delicious patties.

Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the mixture. It blends beautifully with the meat and spices, giving the patties a rich flavor. Make sure to dice the onion very finely so it cooks evenly.

Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold all the ingredients together. One large egg is enough to keep the frikadellen firm yet tender. It also adds a bit of richness to the final texture.

Bread: Two slices of white bread, soaked in water or milk and squeezed dry, serve as a soft filler. This old-school method makes the patties extra juicy and prevents them from becoming dense.

Mustard: Just a teaspoon of mustard gives the frikadellen a mild tang and depth. It enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Salt and Pepper: These classic seasonings are essential. Use one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper for perfect seasoning.

Paprika: Half a teaspoon of paprika brings a warm, smoky hint that complements the beef beautifully. It’s subtle but makes a noticeable difference in the taste.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color. Two tablespoons go a long way in balancing out the savory richness.

Oil or Butter: For frying, you’ll need about one tablespoon of oil or butter. Either works well, but butter gives a slightly creamier finish and more traditional flavor.

4) How to Make German Frikadellen

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, soaked bread, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly until well blended. This mixture should be uniform but not overworked, which can make the patties tough.

Step 2: Shape the meat mixture into palm-sized patties. You can make around six to eight patties depending on how big you like them. Aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly. Placing them on a plate as you go helps with organization.

Step 3: Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the patties to ensure a good sear. The patties should sizzle when they hit the pan.

Step 4: Fry the frikadellen for about five to six minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. Flip them carefully using a spatula to prevent breakage.

Step 5: Remove the patties from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them hot with mashed potatoes, salad, or on a crusty bun like a burger.

5) Tips for Making German Frikadellen

For the best results with easy recipes with ground beef, always use fresh ingredients and avoid overmixing the meat. If you mix too aggressively, the proteins break down too much and the patties turn rubbery. Another great tip is to soak your bread properly and squeeze out all the excess liquid before adding it to the meat mixture. This helps keep the patties moist without making them soggy. If you’re looking to add more flavor, try incorporating a pinch of ground nutmeg or garlic powder. You can also prep your ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes to make shaping easier. Finally, cook the patties in batches if your pan isn’t big enough; overcrowding will cause steaming instead of searing, which affects the final taste and texture. These little steps will help elevate your dish from good to unforgettable!

6) Making German Frikadellen Ahead of Time

One of the advantages of quick and easy recipes like this is how well they adapt to your schedule. You can easily make the frikadellen mixture several hours or even a full day in advance. Simply prepare the meat blend, shape the patties, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just take them out, let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, and pan-fry as usual. This makes them ideal for meal prep or for busy weekdays when you want something homemade without the hassle. You can also cook the patties in advance and reheat them gently in a skillet or oven. They maintain their texture and flavor surprisingly well, especially when stored properly. So, if you’re juggling multiple meals or planning ahead for a family dinner, these ground beef patties are a lifesaver.

7) Storing Leftover German Frikadellen

Store any leftover German Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep them juicy, let them cool completely before storing and place parchment paper between layers if stacking. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, although the microwave might slightly alter their crisp texture. These patties also freeze well—wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving. Frikadellen can also be enjoyed cold, sliced onto a sandwich or crumbled into a salad for a next-day lunch. They’re that versatile! This storage flexibility is just one more reason why this recipe belongs in your collection of easy recipes for dinner that save time without sacrificing flavor.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) German Frikadellen Recipe