Golden Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes

ByEmily Beef & Steak, Main Dishes
Golden Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes

Indulge in this comforting homestyle dish that combines juicy, cheese-stuffed meat patties with a velvety cream sauce and smooth mashed potatoes. This grandmother’s recipe has been passed down through generations for good reason—it’s pure comfort food at its finest. The golden-crusted patties are tender and flavorful, while the rich sauce elevates everything to restaurant-quality status. Perfect for family dinners or when you need a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

For the Meat Patties:

  • 800g/28 oz ground beef or mixed meat
  • 2 large eggs
  • 60g/2 oz breadcrumbs
  • 70g/2.5 oz cheese, grated (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 24g/0.8 oz, for coating
  • 2 tablespoons butter, 30g/1 oz, for frying

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 1kg/2.2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 35g/1.2 oz butter, melted
  • 120ml/4 fl oz warm milk
  • Salt to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, 30g/1 oz
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 8g/0.3 oz
  • 400ml/13.5 fl oz heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the eggs, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, finely diced onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian herb blend. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. This ensures the patties will hold their shape during cooking.

Shape and Coat the Patties:

Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 equal portions. With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape each portion into a round, flat patty about 2cm/0.8 inches thick. Place the flour on a shallow plate and lightly coat each patty on both sides, shaking off any excess flour. This coating will help create a beautiful golden crust when frying.

Fry the Patties:

Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it begins to foam. Carefully place the patties in the pan, leaving space between each one. Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form. Flip the patties and fry for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until both sides are beautifully golden. The patties should be almost cooked through but will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

While the patties are cooking, place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and break apart easily. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Add the melted butter and warm milk. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Keep warm.

Make the Cream Sauce:

In the same pan used for the patties, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the cream while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Season with salt to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir until it begins to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Patties in Sauce:

Return the fried patties to the pan with the cream sauce, nestling them into the sauce in a single layer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes. Turn the patties every 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The sauce will thicken further and the patties will become incredibly tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or water.

Serve:

Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each serving plate. Place 1-2 meat patties on top of or beside the potatoes. Ladle the creamy sauce over the patties and potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is silky.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Nutrition per serving: Approximately 625 calories, 35g protein, 38g carbohydrates, 38g fat, 3g fiber

Why This Recipe Works

This grandmother’s recipe is the definition of nutritious comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. Ground meat provides high-quality protein and essential B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports energy production and nervous system health. The addition of cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth. Potatoes are often misunderstood but are actually nutritious, offering vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when prepared simply with minimal added fats. The onions and garlic not only build incredible flavor but also provide antioxidants and compounds that support immune function. While the cream sauce makes this an indulgent dish, it’s rich in vitamins A and D. The slow simmering technique ensures the meat stays moist and tender while infusing it with the aromatic sauce. This is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings families together, provides lasting energy, and creates memories around the dinner table—exactly why it’s cooked multiple times a week in homes that value both flavor and tradition.