Mediterranean Ground Meat Patty with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
This hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish combines juicy ground meat patties infused with herbs and spices, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a savory homemade gravy. Think of it as a Mediterranean-style Salisbury steak—elevated with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and warm spices. A balanced plate that brings together comfort and bold flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend meal.
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Ground Meat Patties:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
1 small onion, finely grated or minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
1½ lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups beef or chicken broth (low sodium)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
Drain and mash with butter, milk/cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Cover and keep warm.
Make the Patties:
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Shape into 4–6 patties, flatten slightly.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Gravy:
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil or butter. Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 4–5 minutes).
Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Gradually whisk in broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add garlic powder, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Assemble & Serve:
Plate mashed potatoes with a meat patty on top.
Generously spoon the warm gravy over everything.
Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Tips
Use a meat mix for depth: A blend of ground beef and lamb adds richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Grate the onion finely: This keeps the patties juicy and prevents large onion chunks in the texture.
Chill the patties: For firmer patties that hold their shape better, refrigerate them for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
Deglaze the skillet for richer gravy: After browning the patties, use a splash of broth or wine to scrape up flavorful bits before starting the gravy.
Variations
Spiced twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac to the patties for a deeper, slightly tangy Mediterranean note.
Herb swap: Instead of parsley, use mint, dill, or a mix of Mediterranean herbs like za’atar for a fresh herbal flavor.
Mashed veggie base: Mix cauliflower with potatoes, or use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and earthy base.
Gravy alternative: For a dairy-free option, use olive oil and broth in the gravy. Or try a tomato-based onion sauce for a Greek-style twist.
Stuffed version: Fill the patties with a cube of feta or olives for a molten surprise center.
Add greens: Serve with sautéed spinach, Swiss chard, or a lemony arugula salad for balance.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw before cooking.
Q: Can I use another type of gravy?
A: Definitely. A mushroom gravy, yogurt-based tzatziki drizzle, or tomato-onion sauce would all work well for Mediterranean flavor variations.
Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use plant-based milk and butter in the mashed potatoes, and swap the cream in the gravy for a dairy-free version or omit it entirely.
Q: What side dishes go well with this meal?
A: A cucumber-tomato salad, lemony green beans, or roasted carrots would pair beautifully with the rich patties and creamy mash.
Nutrition Facts
(Approx. per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 510 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Note: Based on beef patties and whole milk mashed potatoes. May vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Ground Meat Patties with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy bring together warm, savory spices and cozy comfort food in one flavorful plate. The juicy patties, infused with garlic, oregano, and cumin, shine against creamy mashed potatoes and a rich onion gravy. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a satisfying balance of wholesome and hearty with Mediterranean flair. Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete the experience.