Looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings together juicy minced meat patties, crispy golden potatoes, and a creamy mushroom-vegetable sauce? This dish is a one-plate wonder—filling, flavorful, and deeply comforting. Infused with herbs, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner for guests.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: European rustic comfort food
Ingredients
For the Meat Patties
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200 g minced meat
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tbsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Provençal herbs
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1/2 tbsp oregano
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1/2 tbsp dried garlic
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1 egg
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1 grated onion
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1 grated carrot
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100 g breadcrumbs
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A bouquet of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives), finely chopped
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Olive oil and a slice of butter, for frying
For the Vegetable Mix
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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Olive oil, for sautéing
For the Potatoes
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300–400 g potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices
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Salt, to taste
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70 g flour
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Olive oil, for frying
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce
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200 g mushrooms, coarsely chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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150 g ham, diced
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1 garlic clove, minced
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50–70 g flour
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400 ml cream
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150 ml broth (chicken or vegetable)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp butter
For the Fresh Garnish Salad
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Cabbage and carrots, thinly sliced
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1 tomato, chopped
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Olive oil
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sour cream
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1 tbsp mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Patty Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with salt, pepper, paprika, Provençal herbs, oregano, and dried garlic. Add the egg, grated onion, grated carrot, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix in the breadcrumbs until well combined. Knead until the mixture holds together and is well seasoned. Let rest for 10–15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil and a slice of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add bell pepper and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Prepare and Parboil the Potatoes
Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water until half-cooked (about 10–12 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly. Toss the slices gently in flour.
Step 4: Fry the Potatoes
Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the floured potato slices over medium heat until golden and crispy on the outside. Set aside on paper towels.
Step 5: Fry the Meat Patties
Shape the meat mixture into medium-sized patties. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat. Fry each patty for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the coarsely chopped mushrooms over medium heat until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in diced ham and cook for another 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in the cream and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir in a knob of butter for richness.
Step 7: Prepare the Fresh Salad Garnish
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped tomato, and sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard. Stir this dressing into the salad and mix thoroughly. Chill until serving.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Plate each portion with 1–2 meat patties, a serving of crispy potatoes, a spoonful of the creamy mushroom sauce, and a fresh scoop of the cabbage salad. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 610 kcal
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Protein: 31 g
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Fat: 38 g
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Fiber: 5 g
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Sugar: 5 g
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Sodium: Moderate
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Cholesterol: 110 mg
Origins and Popularity
This dish draws inspiration from traditional European comfort food, combining meat patties (reminiscent of frikadellen or kotlety) with sautéed vegetables and creamy sauces. The mushroom cream sauce adds elegance, while the crispy potatoes and fresh salad offer contrasting textures. It’s the kind of homestyle meal that’s both hearty and versatile.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
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A complete meal with protein, starch, vegetables, and sauce
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Great for family dinners or special occasions
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Balanced textures—juicy, crispy, creamy, and fresh
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Customizable with different meats, herbs, or veggies
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Works well for leftovers and reheats beautifully
Health Benefits
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Fresh herbs and garlic provide anti-inflammatory and immune benefits
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Mushrooms add fiber and B-vitamins
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Potatoes provide potassium and slow-burning carbs
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Cabbage and carrot add crunch and vitamin C
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Balanced macronutrients from meat, dairy, and vegetables
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a slice of rye bread or sourdough
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Pair with a light soup or broth to start the meal
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Add a side of pickles or sauerkraut for tangy balance
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Enjoy with lemon water or a mild red wine
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Ideal for lunchboxes—just pack salad separately
Cooking Tips
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Chill the meat mixture before shaping for firmer patties
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Don’t overmix the meat—it can become tough
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Use waxy potatoes for better texture
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Stir mushroom sauce constantly to avoid lumps
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Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture contrast
Variations
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Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or mashed beans
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Cheesy version: Add grated cheese to the patties
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Spicy: Add chili flakes to the sauce or meat
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Cream alternative: Use coconut cream for a non-dairy twist
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Oven version: Bake patties and potatoes together for convenience
Conclusion
This Juicy Minced Meat Patties dish, paired with sautéed vegetables, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy potatoes, is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. With fresh ingredients, satisfying textures, and bold but balanced flavors, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to revisit often. It’s everything you love about home-cooked meals—filling, flavorful, and made with care.
FAQ
1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork or beef?
Yes! Just reduce cooking time slightly as poultry cooks faster.
2. What’s a good substitute for cream in the sauce?
Try full-fat milk with a bit of cornstarch, or coconut milk for a non-dairy version.
3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, patties, salad, and sauce can all be made ahead and reheated.
4. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Shape, freeze individually on a tray, then store in bags.
5. Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Bake patties at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. What mushrooms work best?
Button, cremini, or even portobello mushrooms are great choices.
7. Is the salad necessary?
Not mandatory, but it adds a fresh and creamy contrast to the warm elements.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
Use an oven or stovetop for best results. Microwave works for quick heating.
9. Can I add cheese to the mushroom sauce?
Yes, a bit of parmesan or cheddar adds depth and richness.
10. How long will leftovers last?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in sealed containers.