Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe
Introduction
Authentic German Frikadellen are flavorful, juicy meat patties made from ground beef and simple ingredients. Perfect as a hearty meal or snack, these patties offer a delicious taste of traditional German home cooking.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop the onion and gather all ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into uniform patties about 1 inch thick.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Add finely chopped fresh parsley or marjoram for a herbaceous touch.
- Use a mix of ground pork and beef for richer flavor and juiciness.
- Serve with mustard or a tangy sauce to complement the patties.
Storage
Store cooked Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze shaped patties raw; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use breadcrumbs from store-bought bread?
Yes, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs, but fresh breadcrumbs from day-old bread provide a better texture and absorb moisture more effectively.
What can I serve with Frikadellen?
Frikadellen pair well with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, pickles, or a simple green salad for a complete German-style meal.
PrintAuthentic German Frikadellen Recipe
Authentic German Frikadellen are savory pan-fried meat patties made from a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and onions, seasoned with Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. These juicy and flavorful patties are a traditional German comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal served with potatoes or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the medium onion and gather all the rest of the ingredients needed for the recipe.
- Mix Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into uniform patties about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the ground beef is fresh and preferably with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming the patties instead of frying them.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste before forming patties.
- Serve hot with traditional German sides like potato salad, sauerkraut, or mustard.
- Leftover frikadellen can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
Keywords: German Frikadellen, meat patties, pan-fried beef patties, traditional German recipe, homemade frikadellen

