What Is This Dish?
This dish sits somewhere between:
- Meatloaf patties
- Salisbury steak
- Oven-baked casserole
Instead of cooking everything separately, the patties and potatoes are baked together, allowing:
- Juices from the meat to flavor the potatoes
- Potatoes to thicken the gravy naturally
- The entire dish to become richer and more cohesive
It’s a one-pan meal, perfect for busy days or when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
✔ Patties stay juicy thanks to oven braising
✔ Potatoes absorb flavor from the sauce
✔ Gravy stays smooth and glossy
✔ Everything cooks evenly in one dish
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Feeds a whole family
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meat Patties
- 700 g (1½ lb) ground beef (or beef + lamb mix)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
For the Potatoes
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: green peas or capers (as seen in image)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Patties
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Grated onion
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic
- Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme
Mix gently just until combined.
Important Tip
Do not overmix — this keeps the patties tender, not dense.
Form into thick round patties, about the size of your palm.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
Brown patties for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
You’re not cooking them fully — just creating a crust.
Transfer patties to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cut potatoes into medium chunks.
Toss with:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Spread potatoes evenly in the baking dish.
Add sliced onion and optional peas or capers.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
In a bowl or saucepan, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Flour or cornstarch
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
Taste and adjust seasoning.
The gravy should be well-seasoned but not too thick — it will thicken in the oven.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place browned patties on top of the potatoes.
Pour gravy evenly over everything.
The liquid should come about halfway up the potatoes.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes.
Then:
- Remove foil
- Bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and patties are fully cooked
The sauce will become glossy and slightly thick.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows:
- Gravy to thicken
- Juices to redistribute
- Cleaner servings
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Meat patties: Juicy, tender, lightly crisp on top
- Potatoes: Soft, buttery, deeply flavored
- Gravy: Savory, rich, smooth
- Overall: Cozy, filling, comforting
Expert Tips for Best Results
✔ Use grated onion for juicier patties
✔ Brown patties before baking
✔ Cut potatoes evenly
✔ Don’t skip the foil stage
✔ Taste gravy before baking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping browning step
❌ Too little liquid
❌ Overcrowding the dish
❌ Overmixing meat
❌ Cutting potatoes too large
Delicious Variations
Chicken Version
Use ground chicken and chicken broth.
Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle cheese on top for last 10 minutes.
Herb-Rich Version
Add rosemary or bay leaf.
Spicy Twist
Add chili flakes or mustard to gravy.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers 3 days
- Reheat gently in oven or microwave
- Freeze patties separately (not with potatoes)
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Green salad 🥗
- Steamed vegetables
- Crusty bread
- Pickles or mustard on the side
This dish is a complete meal on its own.
Why Families Love This Dish
✔ One-pan meal
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Comfort food classic
✔ Customizable
✔ Always satisfying
Final Thoughts
These Oven-Baked Meat Patties with Potatoes in Savory Gravy are the definition of home-style comfort food. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — and keeps them there for seconds.