Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe
Introduction
Frikadellen are classic German pan-fried meat patties that are flavorful and comforting. Made with simple ingredients, they are perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.

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 finely and gather all your ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until everything is well combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into uniform patties about 1 inch thick.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the patties from the skillet and drain any excess oil on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a juicier texture, you can soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing.
- Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or marjoram for added flavor.
- Serve with mustard or a tangy sauce to complement the patties.
Storage
Store leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep them juicy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or a mix of meats?
Yes, ground pork or a combination of pork and beef works well and can add extra flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze Frikadellen?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked patties in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintAuthentic German Frikadellen Recipe
Authentic German Frikadellen are flavorful, juicy pan-fried meat patties made with ground beef, onions, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, and Dijon mustard. These traditional German meatballs are a perfect comfort food served hot and golden brown from the skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and gather all the ingredients for the meat mixture to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the meat mixture into uniform patties about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels before serving to keep them crispy and not greasy.
Notes
- For best results, use ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to keep the patties juicy.
- Fresh breadcrumbs help bind the meat and retain moisture better than dry crumbs.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Serve with mustard, potato salad, or sauerkraut for an authentic German meal.
- Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding patties to prevent sticking.
Keywords: German frikadellen, pan-fried meat patties, traditional German meatballs, ground beef patties, authentic German recipe

