Of course! This recipe for Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in a Creamy Sauce is the epitome of comfort food. Think of it as a cross between a juicy meatball, a burger, and a creamy casserole. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Here’s the recipe to create this delicious dish.
Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Meat Patties:
· 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for juiciness)
· 1 small onion, finely grated or very finely minced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
· ¼ cup milk
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp paprika
· 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
· 1.5 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter
· 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 2 cups whole milk, warmed
· ½ cup beef or chicken broth
· 1 tsp Dijon mustard
· Salt and white pepper to taste
· A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but classic for creamy sauces)
For Assembly:
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for meltiness)
· ½ cup shredded Gruyère, Gouda, or Cheddar cheese (for flavor)
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Patties:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to form a panade (this paste keeps the patties moist).
· Add the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
· Using your hands, mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the patties will become tough.
· Shape the mixture into oval or round patties, about ¾-inch thick. You should get about 8-10 patties.
- Brown the Patties:
· Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
· Working in batches, brown the patties for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden-brown crust. They do not need to be cooked through. This step is crucial for building flavor.
· Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate. They will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make the Creamy Sauce (A Simple Béchamel):
· In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those browned bits are flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
· Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste (a roux) and smells slightly nutty.
· Gradually pour in the warm milk and broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
· Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
· Stir in the Dijon mustard, and season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble and Bake:
· Pour about half of the creamy sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Arrange the browned meat patties in a single layer over the sauce.
· Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the patties.
· Sprinkle the shredded cheeses generously over everything.
· Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
· Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the patties are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C).
- Serve:
· Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
· Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
· Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing creamy sauce.
Pro Tips & Variations:
· Softer Patties: The panade (breadcrumb-milk mixture) is your secret weapon for tender patties. Don’t skip it.
· Deglaze the Pan: After browning the patties, if there are a lot of stuck-on bits, you can add a splash of broth or white wine to the skillet before making the roux. Scrape it all up—it’s pure flavor!
· Mushroom Lovers: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms in the butter before making the roux for a creamy mushroom sauce.
· Herb Freshness: If you have them, use 2 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley or dill in the meat mixture instead of dried.
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your incredibly cozy and cheesy baked meal