Frikadellen, often referred to as German hamburgers or meat patties, are a beloved traditional dish that blends simplicity with rich, satisfying flavor. Made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onions, mustard, and herbs, these juicy patties are pan-fried until golden brown and served hot with potatoes, salad, or even tucked into a crusty roll.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic German comfort food
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Juicy, flavorful patties with a crisp golden crust
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Versatile—serve as a main dish, in a sandwich, or on their own
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Customizable with different meats and spices
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
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Simple ingredients and easy to prepare
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Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners
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A traditional recipe that brings a taste of Germany to your kitchen
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Easily adaptable to lighter or gluten-free versions
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Delicious warm or cold
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef and pork (or all beef/turkey/chicken for alternatives)
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Breadcrumbs (regular, panko, or crushed crackers)
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Egg
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Onion, finely chopped
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Dijon or yellow mustard
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Fresh parsley (or substitute with chives or cilantro)
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Salt
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Ground black pepper
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Paprika (optional)
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Oil, for sautéing and frying
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
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In a small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
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Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and golden.
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Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Meat Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onions, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough.
Step 3: Shape the Frikadellen
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Divide the mixture into equal portions, about the size of large golf balls.
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Flatten each ball slightly into a patty about ¾ inch thick.
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Make sure the patties are not too thick to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Fry the Patties
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Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the patties in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
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Cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Adjust the heat as needed and add more oil between batches if necessary.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
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Transfer the cooked Frikadellen to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
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Serve hot with sides like potato salad, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or crusty bread.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4–6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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All-Beef Version: Use only ground beef for a leaner option.
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Lighter Alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken.
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Spicy Frikadellen: Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne for heat.
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Herb Variation: Use chives, dill, or tarragon in place of parsley.
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Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the meat mixture.
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Egg-Free: Use a flaxseed egg or mashed potato as a binder.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
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Cheese-Stuffed: Add a cube of cheese to the center of each patty before shaping.
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Baked Option: Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cooked Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
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Reheating (Stovetop): Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
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Reheating (Oven): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
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Reheating (Microwave): Microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Frikadellen and a hamburger?
Frikadellen are seasoned more heavily, include breadcrumbs and onions, and are pan-fried rather than grilled.
Can I make Frikadellen in advance?
Yes. You can shape and refrigerate the patties for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I bake instead of fry them?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once for even browning.
What do Frikadellen taste like?
They’re savory, slightly herby, and have a tender, juicy texture with a crisp exterior.
Are Frikadellen eaten hot or cold?
Traditionally hot, but they’re also delicious cold—great for picnics or sandwiches.
What can I serve with Frikadellen?
Potato salad, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, roasted vegetables, or bread rolls.
Can I freeze Frikadellen?
Yes, both cooked and uncooked Frikadellen freeze well.
Do I need to use mustard?
Mustard adds flavor, but you can leave it out or substitute with a little vinegar or yogurt.
How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C), and the juices should run clear.
Can I grill Frikadellen?
They’re best pan-fried, but can be grilled over medium heat on a grill mat to avoid crumbling.
Conclusion
Authentic German Frikadellen are a hearty, flavorful, and versatile dish that captures the essence of traditional German home cooking. Whether you enjoy them hot from the skillet or cold the next day in a sandwich, these savory patties are easy to make and hard to resist. Perfect for family meals, picnics, or Oktoberfest celebrations, Frikadellen are a timeless recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 patties
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Authentic German Frikadellen are tender, juicy meat patties made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, sautéed onions, mustard, and fresh parsley. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they’re Germany’s delicious answer to the hamburger and perfect for dinner, lunch, or Oktoberfest!
Ingredients
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250 g ground beef
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250 g ground pork
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
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1 egg
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko/crushed crackers)
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1 tbsp mustard (Dijon, yellow, or spicy)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
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Oil, for frying
Instructions
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Sauté the Onion:
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden (about 5 minutes). Let cool slightly. -
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pork, sautéed onions, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix. -
Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions. Shape each into a round, flattened patty about 3/4 inch thick. -
Fry the Frikadellen:
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry patties for 5–7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. -
Drain and Serve:
Transfer cooked Frikadellen to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with potato salad, mashed potatoes, mustard, or in a crusty roll.
Notes
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Use all beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate uncooked patties up to 24 hours in advance.
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For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the mix.
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