What cuts of meat work best for Frikadellen?

A mix of ground beef and pork gives a balanced flavor and moist texture, but ground beef alone also works well.

How do I keep the Frikadellen juicy during cooking?

Soaking bread in milk and adding it to the meat mixture helps retain moisture while preventing toughness.

Yes, rye or whole wheat bread can be used for a heartier texture and more complex taste.

Flour is added to the softened onions and cooked briefly to create a roux, then broth is stirred in and simmered until thickened.

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, buttered peas, sauerkraut, or German potato salad.

Yes, the gravy can be made ahead and gently reheated; just stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.

Juicy, pan-seared German-style meatballs served with a rich and simple onion gravy—a classic comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners where the whole house fills with the aroma of sizzling meatballs and caramelizing onions.

For the Frikadellen: 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (or half beef, half pork), 1 medium yellow onion finely diced, 2 slices white bread (crusts removed), 100 ml (scant ½ cup) milk, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp mustard (preferably German), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp sweet paprika, 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying
For the 4-Ingredient Onion Gravy: 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 400 ml (1 ⅔ cups) beef or vegetable broth

Soak the Bread:: Place bread slices in a small bowl and pour milk over them. Let soak for 5 minutes then squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:: In a large bowl combine ground meat soaked bread diced onion egg parsley mustard salt pepper and paprika. Mix by hand until just combined do not overwork.
Shape the Frikadellen:: With damp hands form the mixture into 8 thick patties.
Cook the Meatballs:: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
Make the Onion Gravy:: In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook stirring often until soft and golden about 8 minutes.
Add Flour:: Sprinkle flour over the onions stir and cook for 1 2 minutes until lightly browned.
Add Broth:: Gradually pour in the broth stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5 7 minutes until thickened.
Serve:: Return the Frikadellen to the skillet spoon gravy over them and heat through for 2 3 minutes. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rustic bread.

This dish has brought many smiles to our family table especially during chilly evenings when warm comforting food is the best cure.

Serve with buttered peas mashed potatoes or German potato salad for a complete hearty meal.

Try using rye bread instead of white for a heartier texture or add a pinch of marjoram for extra flavor.

Leftover Frikadellen and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Enjoy this authentic German comfort food with loved ones and relish every delicious bite.

→ What cuts of meat work best for Frikadellen?: A mix of ground beef and pork gives a balanced flavor and moist texture, but ground beef alone also works well.
→ How do I keep the Frikadellen juicy during cooking?: Soaking bread in milk and adding it to the meat mixture helps retain moisture while preventing toughness.
→ Can I use a different type of bread for the meatballs?: Yes, rye or whole wheat bread can be used for a heartier texture and more complex taste.
→ How is the onion gravy thickened?: Flour is added to the softened onions and cooked briefly to create a roux, then broth is stirred in and simmered until thickened.
→ What side dishes pair well with this Frikadellen and gravy?: Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, buttered peas, sauerkraut, or German potato salad.
→ Can I prepare the onion gravy in advance?: Yes, the gravy can be made ahead and gently reheated; just stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.