This delicious and satisfying recipe brings together the humble ingredients of eggs, potatoes, minced meat, and fresh vegetables to create a hearty dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Baked rather than fried, these patties are infused with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika for robust flavor, then topped with tomatoes and garlic for a fresh and savory finish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this recipe blends comfort food with wholesome simplicity.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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2 eggs
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200 g (7 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
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Salt, to taste
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Ground black pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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200 g (7 oz) potatoes, peeled and grated
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1 red onion, finely chopped
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1 fresh tomato, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes. Place them in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture.
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Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, minced meat, eggs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add finely chopped red onion and mix until well combined.
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Shape the patties: Form the mixture into palm-sized patties and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the patties: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
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Prepare the topping: While the patties bake, sauté the minced garlic and diced tomato in a little olive oil until softened and aromatic (about 5–6 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt.
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Finish the dish: Spoon the tomato-garlic topping over each baked patty and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 servings)
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Calories: 260
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Protein: 18g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 420mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from various European comfort foods where meat and potatoes are staples—think of German Frikadellen, Eastern European kotleti, or even British meat patties. The use of grated potatoes within the meat mixture adds both moisture and texture, while the garlic-tomato topping adds a Mediterranean twist. Popular in home kitchens due to its flexibility and affordability, this recipe is loved across cultures for its satisfying nature and minimal ingredient list.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of them in your kitchen.
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Great for meal prep: These patties reheat well and can be frozen.
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Customizable: Use your choice of minced meat or add your favorite spices.
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Healthy and balanced: High in protein and packed with flavor without deep frying.
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Family-friendly: A dish both kids and adults will enjoy.
Health Benefits
This dish offers a good balance of protein from eggs and meat, carbohydrates from potatoes, and antioxidants from garlic and tomatoes. Garlic contains allicin, known for its antibacterial and heart health benefits. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. By baking rather than frying, you reduce the overall fat content while retaining delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil.
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Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed green beans.
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Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra richness.
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Serve in a sandwich bun or pita for a quick, protein-packed lunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not squeezing the potatoes: Excess moisture can make the patties soggy.
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Overmixing the meat mixture: This can lead to dense, tough patties.
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Skipping the flip: Turning the patties midway through baking ensures even browning.
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Undersalting: Potatoes and meat need sufficient seasoning—taste your mix before shaping.
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Cooking at too high a temperature: This can burn the outside before the inside is done.
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverages: Try it with a cold glass of lemonade, a light lager, or herbal iced tea.
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Sides: Roasted garlic green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, or couscous salad work wonderfully.
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Sauces: Serve with tzatziki, spicy ketchup, or a creamy mustard sauce for dipping.
Cooking Tips
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If using lean meat like turkey, add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the patties moist.
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Add chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or oregano for more flavor depth.
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Try partially pre-cooking the onions for a softer, sweeter bite.
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Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes before shaping—this allows flavors to meld and potatoes to release more liquid.
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Use a scoop or spoon to make evenly-sized patties for uniform cooking.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Classic meatloaf with mashed potatoes
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Chicken and zucchini fritters
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Potato and cheese croquettes
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Eggplant and ground beef bake
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Shepherd’s pie with garlic mashed topping
Variations to Try
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Add cheese: Mix in grated cheddar or mozzarella for melty goodness.
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the mixture.
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Try a vegetarian version: Use lentils or mashed chickpeas instead of meat.
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Swap in sweet potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and more vitamin A.
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Make mini patties: Great for appetizers or party platters.
Ingredient Spotlight: Potatoes
Potatoes are the unsung heroes of comfort cooking. Packed with complex carbs, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, they’re affordable and versatile. In this recipe, grated potatoes provide texture, structure, and subtle flavor. When baked, they also develop a delicious golden crust. Grating and draining them well is key for achieving crispy edges and a tender center.
Conclusion Paragraph
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly protein option, or a new twist on classic meat and potatoes, these Baked Minced Meat and Potato Patties are sure to hit the spot. With bold flavor, hearty texture, and a light tomato-garlic topping, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even a plant-based mince work well.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the patties in advance and bake them when ready, or store baked patties in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if no flour or breadcrumbs are added. Just ensure your spices and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
4. What’s the best way to reheat these patties?
Reheat in a 160°C (325°F) oven for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
6. How do I know if the patties are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F) for beef or 74°C (165°F) for poultry. They should also be firm and browned on the outside.
7. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Sure! Finely chopped bell pepper, zucchini, or grated carrots make great additions.
8. Is it okay to fry instead of bake?
Yes, pan-fry over medium heat with a bit of oil until golden on both sides and cooked through.
9. What dipping sauces go well with this?
Tzatziki, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or classic ketchup work great.
10. Can I make it without eggs?
Eggs help bind the mixture, but you can substitute with mashed potatoes, flax eggs, or a bit of flour if needed.