Traditional German Frikadellen – A Hearty & Delicious Meatball Recipe!

Name: Traditional German Frikadellen – A Hearty & Delicious Meatball Recipe!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: ½ lb ground beef (250g); ½ lb ground pork (250g); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 large egg; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup milk; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 29, 2025

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If you’ve ever explored German cuisine, you’ve likely come across Frikadellen—Germany’s take on the classic meat patty. These juicy, flavorful, and perfectly pan-fried meat patties have been a staple in German households and beer gardens for generations. Unlike American burgers, Frikadellen are flat, oval-shaped, and packed with bold seasonings, making them tender on the inside with a deliciously crisp crust.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a traditional dish to impress your guests, Frikadellen bring a taste of Germany to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the history of Frikadellen, the secrets to making them perfect, best side pairings, variations, FAQs, and more.

The History of German Frikadellen

Frikadellen have been a cherished dish in Germany for centuries, with roots dating back to medieval European cooking traditions. They were originally a working-class meal, made with ground meat, onions, stale bread, and seasonings—simple, affordable ingredients that were readily available.

Over time, Frikadellen became a national favorite, appearing everywhere from home kitchens to beer gardens and street food stalls. They’re commonly enjoyed with mustard, fresh bread rolls, or warm potato salad, making them a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Different regions of Germany have their own versions, and you may find variations with different seasonings, meats, or cooking methods. Today, Frikadellen are enjoyed throughout Europe and have even influenced other cultures’ meat patty recipes.

Ingredients

For the Frikadellen (German Meat Patties):

Ground beef – ½ lb (250g) (adds depth and richness)
Ground pork – ½ lb (250g) (for extra juiciness)
Onion (finely chopped) – 1 small (adds sweetness and depth)
Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves (aromatic and flavorful)
Egg – 1 large (binds the ingredients together)
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (helps retain moisture)
Milk – ¼ cup (softens the breadcrumbs)
Mustard – 1 tablespoon (adds a slight tang)
Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon (enhances umami flavor)
Salt – 1 teaspoon (balances flavors)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (adds warmth)
Paprika – ½ teaspoon (mild smokiness)
Parsley (chopped) – 1 tablespoon (adds freshness)
Butter or oil – 2 tablespoons (for frying)

Directions

Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to keep the patties moist.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Cook chopped onions in butter or oil until translucent.
Let them cool before adding to the meat mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Meat

In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, garlic, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, and egg.
Add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and parsley.
Mix until evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape the Frikadellen

Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions and shape them into flat, oval-shaped patties.

Step 5: Cook the Frikadellen

Heat butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, mustard, or fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Frikadelle)

Calories – 320 kcal
Protein – 25g
Carbohydrates – 12g
Fat – 18g
Sugar – 2g

Why You’ll Love This Frikadellen Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Frikadellen use basic pantry staples, yet they come together to create a deeply flavorful dish. The combination of beef and pork, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, mustard, and warm spices ensures every bite is packed with richness and depth.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, these pan-fried meat patties are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

3. Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

The secret to a perfect Frikadelle is getting the right texture—a golden, crispy crust with a juicy, flavorful center. The use of breadcrumbs soaked in milk ensures the patties stay moist and tender.

4. Versatile and Perfect for Any Meal

Frikadellen can be served in so many ways—as a main dish with potatoes and gravy, in a sandwich, or even as an appetizer with dipping sauces.

5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

These patties reheat beautifully and can be made in advance and frozen, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Secrets to Making the Best Frikadellen

1. Use a Mix of Ground Meats for the Best Flavor

The combination of beef and pork gives Frikadellen their signature juiciness and richness. If you use only beef, you might need to add a little olive oil to keep the patties from drying out.

2. Soak Breadcrumbs in Milk for Extra Tenderness

Instead of adding dry breadcrumbs, soaking them in milk first helps make the patties softer and juicier, preventing them from being dense or dry.

3. Sauté the Onions Before Mixing

Raw onions can sometimes taste too strong or release excess moisture into the meat mixture. Sautéing them first mellows their sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the patties.

4. Don’t Overmix the Meat

Overmixing ground meat can make the patties dense and tough. Gently mix the ingredients just until combined to keep them light and juicy.

5. Shape the Patties Evenly for Even Cooking

Frikadellen are traditionally oval and slightly flattened, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust. Keeping them ½-inch thick is the best way to avoid dry or undercooked centers.

6. Cook Over Medium Heat for the Perfect Crust

Cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through while achieving a golden-brown crust. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked.

7. Let the Frikadellen Rest Before Serving

Allowing the patties to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking locks in the juices, keeping them moist and flavorful.

Best Ways to Serve Frikadellen

Frikadellen are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of traditional and modern sides. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:

1. Classic German Sides

German Potato Salad – A warm, vinegar-based potato salad that complements the richness of the Frikadellen.
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – A comforting and hearty pairing.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes – Golden, crunchy, and flavorful.
Sauerkraut – A tangy contrast that enhances the savoriness of the patties.

2. Sandwich Style

Serve Frikadellen on a crusty bread roll with mustard, lettuce, and pickles for a German-style burger.

3. As an Appetizer

Serve mini Frikadellen with mustard, curry ketchup, or garlic aioli as a delicious finger food.

4. With a Light Salad

A fresh cucumber salad or mixed greens balances the richness of the meat.

Popular Variations of Frikadellen

1. Cheese-Stuffed Frikadellen

Insert a cube of gouda or cheddar cheese inside each patty before cooking for a melty, cheesy surprise.

2. Spicy Frikadellen

Add cayenne pepper or finely chopped chili peppers to the mixture for a spicy kick.

3. Herb-Infused Frikadellen

Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for an aromatic twist.

4. Gluten-Free Frikadellen

Replace breadcrumbs with mashed potatoes or gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Bake Frikadellen Instead of Frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

2. Can I Make Frikadellen Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge before cooking.

3. Can I Freeze Frikadellen?

Yes! Cooked Frikadellen can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving.

4. What’s the Difference Between Frikadellen and American Burgers?

Frikadellen are flatter, more seasoned, and softer than American burgers, and they’re often eaten without a bun.

5. What Sauces Pair Well with Frikadellen?

Mustard (classic and tangy)
Curry ketchup (a popular German street food sauce)
Brown gravy (for a richer meal)

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe

Frikadellen are a true taste of Germany—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether served with potatoes, mustard, or in a sandwich, these juicy, pan-fried meat patties are sure to become a favorite in your home.

So why not bring a little German tradition to your table? Try this recipe today and experience the rich, comforting flavors of authentic Frikadellen!