Cheesy Baked Minced Meat Patties with Fresh Garden Salad

This recipe combines juicy, cheese-topped meat patties with a crisp garden salad and creamy garlic sauce. Drawing inspiration from traditional European cooking, I’ve enhanced the humble meat patty with a golden cheese crust and complemented it with fresh, vibrant sides. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Prep Time

• Preparation: 25 minutes
• Cooking: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 (makes 6-8 patties)

Ingredients

For the Meat Patties:

• 600g (1.3 lbs) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 large egg
• 2 slices white bread
• 120ml (½ cup) milk for soaking
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium onion (150g), finely chopped
• 2 medium potatoes (400g), boiled and mashed
• 2 pickled cucumbers (100g), finely diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

For the Cheese Topping:

• 200g (7 oz) cheese, grated (preferably a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

For the Garden Salad:

• 1 head green lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber (200g), sliced
• 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture

1. I begin by soaking the bread slices in milk until completely soft (about 5 minutes).
2. I squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread into small pieces.
3. In a large bowl, I combine:

• Ground beef
• Soaked bread
• Beaten egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion
• Mashed potatoes
• Diced pickled cucumbers
• Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper

1. I mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat.

2. Form and Bake the Patties

1. I preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. I line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. I divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions.
4. I form each portion into oval-shaped patties, about 1-inch thick.
5. I arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. I bake for 15-20 minutes until nearly cooked through.

3. Add the Cheese Topping

1. I combine the grated cheese with mayonnaise.
2. I remove the patties from the oven.
3. I top each patty with the cheese mixture.
4. I return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly.

4. Prepare the Fresh Salad

1. In a large bowl, I combine:

• Torn lettuce leaves
• Sliced red onion
• Cucumber slices
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Chopped fresh herbs

1. I drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
2. I toss gently to combine.

5. Make the Garlic Sauce

1. I mix mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
2. I stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian herbs.
3. I season with salt to taste.
4. I refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips

• I use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties.
• I ensure the mashed potatoes are completely cool before mixing.
• I don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
• I let the patties rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Storage and Reheating

The patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 patty with salad and sauce):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Iron: 3.5mg
• Calcium: 220mg

These cheesy baked meat patties offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crisp, fresh salad provides a light contrast to the rich, cheese-topped patties, while the garlic sauce adds a creamy, flavorful finish. This complete meal is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.