Mediterranean Golden Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes
These Mediterranean Golden Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce are rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The patties—made with spiced ground beef or lamb—are pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated in a smooth, savory cream sauce that’s both hearty and elegant. Served over soft mashed potatoes, this dish balances Mediterranean warmth with classic comfort food. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner yet special enough for guests.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meat Patties:
500 g (1 lb) ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and lamb)
1 small onion, grated or minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup beef broth
½ cup heavy cream or cooking cream
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Water and salt (for boiling)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter if preferred)
Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Make the Meat Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cinnamon).
Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
Shape the mixture into medium-sized patties (about 2½–3 inches wide).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add mushrooms (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Once thickened slightly, add the cream and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the patties to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to coat and infuse the meat.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the potato chunks in salted water until tender (about 12–15 minutes).
Drain and mash with olive oil (or butter) until smooth.
Season with a pinch of salt and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Serve
Spoon the mashed potatoes onto a plate, top with the golden patties, and pour the creamy sauce over them. Add a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs to finish.
Tips:
Use a meat mix for more flavor:
Combining beef and lamb creates a juicier patty with deeper flavor. If using lean beef, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of yogurt to keep them moist.
Grate the onion finely:
A grated onion blends better into the meat and keeps the patties tender without making them watery. Squeeze out excess liquid if needed.
Don’t overmix:
Gently combine ingredients just until they hold together. Overmixing can make the patties tough instead of tender.
Chill before frying (optional):
Letting the patties rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Deglaze for extra flavor:
When making the sauce, scrape up the brown bits left from frying the patties. Those bits add rich, meaty depth to the creamy sauce.
Cream thickness:
If the sauce feels too thick, whisk in a splash of broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Mashed potato texture:
For fluffier potatoes, mash them while they’re hot. Adding olive oil gives a Mediterranean touch, while butter adds richness—either works beautifully.
Variations:
Herb-forward patties:
Add chopped fresh parsley, mint, or dill to the meat mix for a brighter Mediterranean flavor.
Cheese-filled version:
Stuff the patties with a small cube of feta or mozzarella for a creamy surprise inside.
Lighter sauce option:
Use half the cream and substitute the rest with milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy result.
Add vegetables:
Stir in finely chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and color.
Make it spicy:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the patties or sauce for a subtle kick.
Serving ideas:
Instead of mashed potatoes, serve with rice pilaf, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-style platter.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the meat patties instead of frying them?
Yes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crisp as pan-fried, but they’ll stay juicy and lighter.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, whisking in a bit of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Q: What kind of meat works best?
A 50/50 mix of beef and lamb gives the best Mediterranean flavor, but you can use all beef, turkey, or even chicken if you prefer something leaner.
Q: Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
Use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce, reduce cream by half, and serve with mashed cauliflower or steamed veggies instead of potatoes.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 540
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on the type of meat, cream, and oil used.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Golden Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce with Mashed Potatoes is the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. The warm spices, tender meat, and silky sauce bring a cozy, homemade feel to the table while still delivering rich, layered Mediterranean flavors. Whether for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is satisfying, versatile, and sure to become a favorite.