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Authentic German Meatballs served with mashed potatoes and gravy, ready to enjoy.

Authentic German Meatballs Recipe – Easy & Delicious

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Authentic German Meatballs (Frikadellen or Buletten) are a beloved classic that delivers rich flavors and juicy tenderness in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, Oktoberfest celebrations, or meal prep, this easy recipe brings Germany’s culinary heritage to your kitchen. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, or crusty bread for a traditional German experience.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or soaked stale bread)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp mustard (German-style preferred)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onions, egg, mustard, and spices. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  2. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
  4. Serve warm with traditional German sides like mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • For best results, don’t overwork the meat mixture to maintain tenderness.
  • Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
  • For a traditional pork-beef blend, use half ground beef and half ground pork.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 220 Kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg