Ground beef patties in creamy mustard sauce are a cozy, home-cooked meal that’s full of flavor. Juicy, pan-fried patties are simmered in a rich cream sauce with Dijon mustard, creating a delicious balance of savory and tangy. This comforting dish is popular in many countries, but the Finnish version adds its own familiar, homely touch; simple, satisfying, and perfect for everyday dinners.
This meal was a regular favorite when I was growing up. In Finland, ground beef patties were also a common sight at school lunches. Every student gets a warm meal each day, but those were usually served plain, with mashed or boiled potatoes, gravy, and a simple salad. At home, my mom made a different version. She added the creamy mustard sauce, which made the dish richer and more flavorful. Often she served the patties with mashed or boiled potatoes and some vegetables, a crisp cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.
How to Make Ground Beef Patties in Creamy Mustard Sauce
Start by mixing ground beef with finely chopped onion, egg, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into patties. Heat a mix of butter and oil in a pan and fry the patties until they’re nicely browned and caramelized. This gives them a deep, rich flavor.
Use the same pan to make the sauce. Add finely chopped onion, broth, and cream, then let it simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard at the end and taste before adding extra salt — the mustard and broth already add plenty of flavor. Spoon the creamy sauce over the patties and serve right away.
Serving Ideas and Finnish Pairings
These Finnish-style patties go perfectly with comforting sides like Cauliflower gratin, Finnish new potatoes, or Oven-roasted vegetables. For something fresh and tangy, try Grandmom’s cucumber salad.
If you enjoy classic Finnish ground beef recipes, also check out my Finnish meat and macaroni casserole or Grandmother’s Finnish meatballs with traditional brown sauce. Each one brings that same cozy, home-style flavor to your table.
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Finnish Ground Beef Patties in Mustard and Cream Sauce
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 400 g ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp bread crumbs
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp White pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp Black pepper or to taste
- 1 tbsp butter for frying
- 1 tbsp oil for frying
For the sauce:
- Pan juices from the patties
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 100 ml beef broth
- 200 ml cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard or to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and both peppers until well combined. Let rest for about 10 minutes so the bread crumbs absorb moisture.
- Shape the mixture into 4–5 patties. Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the patties until well browned and caramelized on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft. Add the broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the cream and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard at the end, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the patties to the pan and let them heat through in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Serve hot with mashed or boiled potatoes, fries, or steamed vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
