Savory German Frikadellen are hearty pan-fried meat patties that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. This beloved German comfort food is made with seasoned ground meat, onions, herbs, and breadcrumbs for the perfect homemade flavor. They are easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for serving with potatoes, salads, or fresh bread rolls.
These Savory German Frikadellen quickly became one of our most requested family dinners. Every time I start frying the patties, the delicious smell fills the kitchen and everyone suddenly gets hungry at once. My husband loves eating them with spicy mustard, while the kids enjoy them tucked inside soft sandwich rolls.
One weekend, I made a double batch thinking we would have leftovers for lunch the next day, but they disappeared before the evening was over. Since then, I always make extra because these juicy meat patties never last long in our house.
Why This Savory German Frikadellen Recipe
- Crispy outside with juicy, flavorful centers
- Traditional German comfort food made with simple ingredients
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Delicious served hot or cold
- Great with mustard, potato salad, noodles, or bread rolls
- Rich savory flavor from onions, herbs, and seasonings
Ingredients
For 5–6 Servings
- 1.8 lb (800 g) ground beef
- 0.7 lb (300 g) ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 0.3 lb / 150 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (60 g / 0.13 lb) breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (8 g / 0.02 lb) chopped parsley
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (2 g) sweet paprika
- ½ tsp (1 g) dried marjoram
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cooking oil or butter for frying
Optional Sides
- Potato salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Mustard
- Pickles
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for several minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and pork to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the onion, garlic, eggs, parsley, paprika, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
- Add the soaked breadcrumb mixture to the meat and gently combine everything until evenly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized oval patties using your hands.
- Heat oil or butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the patties in batches for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked Frikadellen to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve warm with mustard, potatoes, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Using both beef and pork creates a richer and juicier texture.
- Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Wet hands make shaping the patties easier.
- Frikadellen are also delicious served cold in sandwiches.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze uncooked or cooked patties for future meals.