.png){kind=small}
Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce
Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce are a satisfying home-cooked meal that transforms simple ground meat into juicy patties finished in a luscious, cheesy sauce. This recipe bridges diner-style comfort with easy oven cooking: seared or browned patties are baked in a skillet or casserole dish with a cream-based sauce that turns velvety as it bakes. The result is warm, saucy, and perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food classic: cheesy, saucy, and rich without being complicated.
- One-dish dinner: finish in the oven for minimal stove time and easy cleanup.
- Family-friendly: children and adults alike enjoy the mild, savory flavors.
- Customizable: swap ground beef for turkey, pork, or a blend; add herbs, mushrooms or vegetables.
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (700 g) ground beef (80/20) or a 50/50 beef–pork blend
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1/2 cup light cream)
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (10–12 inches) or a shallow baking dish
- Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 — Make the meat mixture
Combine ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, Worcestershire, Dijon (if using), salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until ingredients are just combined — avoid overworking the meat or the patties will become dense.
2 — Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into 8 even portions and shape each into a thick patty (about 3–3.5 inches wide). If you prefer smaller portions, make 10–12 patties.
3 — Brown the patties (recommended)
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust; they will finish cooking in the oven. Browning adds flavor but you can skip this step and bake directly for a lighter finish.
4 — Make the roux and sauce
Remove patties to a plate. In the same skillet (wipe if excessive fat remains), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a blond roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow to thicken slightly (2–3 minutes). Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and silky. Season with onion powder, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5 — Bake
Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the tops. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake 12–18 minutes, until patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
6 — Finish and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve the patties with spoonfuls of creamy sauce over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, or a slice of crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- Drain or adjust fat: If using very fatty meat, drain excess fat after browning so the sauce doesn’t become greasy.
- Shrinkage: Patties will shrink slightly in the oven; shape them a bit larger than your intended final size.
- Cheese choices: Use a melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for the best texture. Parmesan adds depth and saltiness.
- Gluten-free option: Use 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with milk instead of flour for the roux and swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half with whole milk and use leaner ground meat; the sauce will be lighter but still tasty.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Mushroom & onion: Sauté sliced mushrooms and extra onions in the pan before making the roux; fold into the sauce for an earthy addition.
- Spinach & feta: Fold a handful of chopped fresh spinach and crumbled feta into the meat for Mediterranean notes.
- Herbed lemon: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for brightness.
- Spicy: Add 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a subtle kick.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble ahead: Form the patties and store on a tray covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Brown and bake when ready.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze cooked patties and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in a low oven.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving — 1 patty, serves 8)
| Calories | ~360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
Values are estimates and will vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes. For precise tracking use your product labels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I bake without browning? Yes. Skip browning for convenience; bake the patties in sauce for 20–25 minutes longer, but searing adds flavor and better texture.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken? Yes—lean poultry works. The sauce will help add moisture; consider adding an extra egg or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness.
- Is the sauce stable? The cream sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based milk; use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese and increase flavor with caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Final Notes
Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in Creamy Sauce are a terrific example of comfort cooking that’s both approachable and elegant enough for company. The creamy, cheesy sauce elevates simple patties to a bowl of pure satisfaction. Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Adjust the seasonings and add-ins to make the recipe your own, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that becomes better with leftovers.