Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers) Recipe
Introduction
Frikadellen are classic German meat patties that combine ground beef and pork with flavorful seasonings. This authentic recipe yields juicy, tender patties perfect for a comforting meal or casual gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef and pork mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small pan, heat a little vegetable oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork mix with breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onions, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Mix gently until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into equal-sized patties, each about 3/4 inch thick.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the frikadellen from the pan and drain them on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer texture, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing them with the meat.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the meat mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Serve with mustard or a tangy sauce like remoulade for a traditional touch.
- Try using all beef or a different meat blend if preferred, but keep the fat content moderate for juicy patties.
Storage
Store leftover frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a frying pan over low heat to maintain their crisp exterior. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use only beef instead of a beef and pork mix?
Yes, you can use all beef if you prefer. However, the pork adds extra fat, which helps keep the patties juicy and tender.
What can I serve with frikadellen?
Frikadellen are versatile and pair well with potato salad, sauerkraut, mustard, or simple bread rolls. They also make a great filling for sandwiches.
PrintAuthentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers) Recipe
This Authentic German Frikadellen recipe delivers classic German Hamburgers made from a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with mustard, parsley, and paprika. Pan-fried to a golden crisp outside while tender and juicy inside, these Frikadellen make a perfect hearty meal or snack enjoyed traditionally with mustard, potato salad, or bread rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef and pork mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a small pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork mix with breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onions, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick, ensuring they are compact but not overly compressed.
- Fry Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through internally.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked Frikadellen from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your preferred accompaniments such as mustard, potato salad, or bread rolls.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork, but all beef can be used if preferred.
- Sautéing the onions beforehand enhances their sweetness and prevents raw onion bites.
- Make sure the pan oil is hot enough before adding patties to ensure a crispy crust.
- Do not flatten the patties too thin or they will dry out quickly.
- Frikadellen can be served hot or at room temperature, making them great for picnics or lunches.
Keywords: German Frikadellen, German Hamburgers, Frikadellen recipe, traditional German meat patties, pan-fried meat patties

