Beef patties

Few things beat the satisfaction of biting into well-made beef patties. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is no wonder they are so beloved all over the world. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering on all fronts, giving you juicy, golden-brown patties that fit any occasion. Cook them up for a family dinner or fry a batch for a casual barbecue. Comforting, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Beef patties
Minced beef
|
500 g |
---|---|
Breadcrumbs
|
50 ml |
Cooking cream
|
100 ml |
Onions, finely chopped
|
2 tbsp |
Egg
|
1 |
Salt
|
1 tsp |
Black pepper
|
¼ tsp |
Butter and rapeseed oil
|
2 tbsp |
Parsley, chopped
|
Caramelised onions
Yellow onions
|
2 |
---|---|
Butter and rapeseed oil
|
2 tbsp |
Salt
|
|
Black pepper
|
Instructions
Beef patties
Caramelised onions
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Choosing the right minced beef
The fat content in your mince is key for juicy and tender beef patties. Look for minced beef with around 15–20% fat, which keeps the patties moist. Leaner options, such as 5% or 10% fat, can result in a drier texture. For more control over the fat content, visit a butcher and ask for chuck, which comes from the shoulder and has a good balance of meat and fat. You can also try a mix of chuck and brisket, a cut from the lower chest, which offers a deeper flavour and helps keep the patties juicy.
Keep the juices in the patty
For tender beef patties, avoid pressing them down with a spatula while cooking, as this squeezes out the natural juices. Let them cook undisturbed on one side until a crust forms, then flip them only once. This helps lock in moisture and creates an even browning. Cooking over medium heat prevents the outside from overcooking before the inside is done, keeping the patties juicy without drying them out.
Boost flavour with chargrilling and deglazing
For a deep, smoky taste, cook your beef mince patties on a barbecue or a chargrill pan. The high heat creates a slightly crisp exterior while adding a rich, grilled flavour. If you do not have a grill, you can still intensify the taste by deglazing the pan. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen the caramelised bits from the pan, letting them enrich the patties.
Opt for the best binders
Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers help keep patties moist and light by soaking up excess moisture, preventing them from turning dense or dry. If using dried breadcrumbs, use them sparingly to avoid a heavy, meatloaf-like consistency. The egg plays a key role in binding everything together as it cooks, keeping the patties firm without becoming tough.
FAQ: Questions about beef patties
Below, you will find answers to common questions covering everything you need to know about beef patties.
What are the best side dishes to serve with beef patties?
The best side dishes to serve with beef patties are ones that boost their savoury flavour and add a contrast to the texture. Classic choices include crispy roasted potatoes, buttery mash, or a fresh salad with a tangy dressing. You can also serve them alongside a crunchy coleslaw or potato salad for a creamy contrast. For a heartier meal, try them with buttered greens or roasted root vegetables. If you want something quick, oven chips work great as well.
Can I prepare beef patties in advance?
Yes, you can prepare beef patties in advance. Shape them as per the recipe, then refrigerate them covered for up to 2 days before cooking. For the best texture, it is recommended to cook them fresh rather than frying them in advance, as reheating can dry them out. However, if needed, you can fully cook them and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How should I store leftover beef patties?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to keep them from sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and warm gently in a pan with a splash of water to help retain moisture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the patties tough.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
573 Kcal
Fibre | 3.5 gram fibers |
Protein | 8.7 gram |
Carbohydrates | 13.8 gram |
Fat | 54.5 gram |
Make simple and juicy beef patties for dinner
If you are looking for an easy and comforting home-cooked dinner, this recipe is right up your alley. Simply mix, shape, and fry, and you are left with beef patties that are juicy inside and beautifully seared on the outside. Kids dig in without hesitation, and adults go back for seconds.
Serve them fresh off the pan for a cosy family meal, or make a bigger batch for a laid-back weekend dinner. Either way, the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas, while everyone looks forward to gathering around the table.
And if you enjoyed this recipe, there are plenty more to try. A bowl of minced meat soup, a plate of tender pork tenderloin, or a quick stir-fry chicken with vegetables all make for delicious family meals. These recipes keep dinnertime easy while still bringing plenty of comfort.
Tender texture from egg and breadcrumbs
Egg, breadcrumbs, cream, and onions all play a part in making the patties soft and drip with juices when you bite into them. The egg binds everything together, keeping them firm without turning dense.
Breadcrumbs soak up the cream, creating a light, almost fluffy texture instead of a heavy one. The finely chopped onions add moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the rich beefy taste. All the different ingredients help give you tender patties that hold their shape in the pan.
With richly sweet caramelised onions on top
Caramelised onions are the cherry on top of a great beef patty. As they slowly cook in butter and oil, they turn soft, golden, and almost jam-like, bringing a mellow sweetness to the deep, meaty taste. They cut through the richness without overpowering, melting into the patties as they soak up all that flavour. Pile them on generously, and you have a finishing touch that makes all the difference.
Serve with your favourite sides
No beef patties are complete without a great side to match. Potatoes are always a winner, whether you go for crispy roasted wedges, buttery mash, or smashed potatoes with herbs. If you are in the mood for something fresh, try a pumpkin salad with white cheese, a zesty tomato and red onion salad, or a crisp cucumber and dill salad.
For a richer side, grilled courgettes, honey-glazed carrots, or creamy baked leeks bring plenty of flavour to the plate. Whatever you choose, it is all about creating a meal that hits the spot.
Experiment with the recipe
There are plenty of ways to tweak the flavour of your beef patties by mixing in different ingredients. Crushed red pepper brings gentle warmth, while finely chopped jalapeños offer a bright, fiery kick. For a more subtle twist, swap the onions for spring onions, which are milder but still have the signature onion taste.
To intensify the flavour even more, a dash of soy sauce brings savoury umami, while barbecue sauce adds a smoky sweetness that caramelises as the patties cook. Cheese lovers can mix in sharp cheddar for a rich, nutty tang or blue cheese for a bold, salty bite.
