Introduction:
If you’re looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make comfort food, these Cheesy Baked Beef Patties in Creamy Sauce hit the spot every time. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef patties baked until golden, then smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that bubbles to perfection. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Patties:
- 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- Extra grated cheese for baking
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish
Instructions & Methods:
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Beef Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings.
- Mix well using your hands or a fork until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 6–8 patties (depending on your size preference).
- Place the patties in the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the Patties:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
- While they’re baking, prepare the sauce.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine & Bake Again:
- Once patties are baked, pour the cheese sauce evenly over them.
- Top with extra shredded cheese if desired.
- Return to oven and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestion:
Plate the beef patties over creamy mashed potatoes, ladle the sauce generously, and pair with green beans or a side salad. It’s a warm, rich, and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.