These Baked Minced Meat Patties are tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Served with a fresh green salad with a creamy dressing, this dish is hearty and perfect for a family meal. The flavors of garlic, onion, and Italian herbs create a comforting and delicious experience.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 600 grams minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 2 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- Pickled cucumbers, sliced
- 200 grams cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
For the Green Salad:
- Green salad leaves (e.g., romaine, lettuce)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for dressing
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
- Soak the bread:
- In a small bowl, soak 2 slices of bread in 1/2 cup of milk for a few minutes until softened.
- Mix the meat:
- In a large bowl, combine 600 grams minced meat, 1 egg, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 finely chopped onion.
- Add the soaked bread, squeezing out excess milk, and mix until well incorporated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Form the patties:
- Form the meat mixture into patties and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Add Toppings and Bake
- Prepare the toppings:
- Arrange sliced potatoes on top of the patties.
- Add sliced pickled cucumbers over the potatoes.
- Add cheese and mayonnaise:
- Sprinkle 200 grams of grated cheese over the cucumbers.
- Spread 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Bake the patties for 50-60 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Green Salad
- Combine salad ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine green salad leaves, 1 thinly sliced red onion, 1 sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
- Season the salad:
- Add 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing
- Mix dressing ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 minced cloves of garlic, chopped parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs.
- Season with salt to taste and mix well.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the baked patties hot with a side of green salad.
- Drizzle the salad with the creamy dressing or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish the patties with extra parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for an additional side dish.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Add a wedge of lemon for a touch of acidity.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Cooking Tips:
- Soak the bread well to ensure it’s soft and blends easily into the meat mixture.
- Grate the cheese finely for better melting and even coverage over the patties.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika to the meat mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in protein from the minced meat, promoting muscle health.
- Rich in calcium from the cheese, supporting bone strength.
- Good source of vitamins from the green salad, contributing to overall health.
- Contains fiber from vegetables, aiding digestion.
- Healthy fats from olive oil, supporting heart health.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy, not suitable for lactose intolerant individuals without modifications.
- Contains gluten, not suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
- High in protein, making it a good option for those on a protein-rich diet.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (360°F) until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze the patties before baking; thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting flavors: The combination of meat, cheese, and potatoes is classic and satisfying.
- Simple preparation: Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Versatile: Works for both a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering.
- Family-friendly: The flavors are mild and sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
- Complete meal: The dish includes meat, vegetables, and salad, making it a balanced meal.
Conclusion:
These Baked Minced Meat Patties are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family meal. The combination of cheesy, tender patties with fresh green salad makes this dish well-balanced and satisfying. The creamy dill dressing adds an extra touch, making each bite truly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey mince instead of beef or pork. - Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. - Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely, cheddar or mozzarella would work well in this recipe. - How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the bread with gluten-free bread and ensure the mayonnaise used is gluten-free. - Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a nice tang to the dressing.