Cheesy Baked Meat Patties

If you love the comforting combination of juicy beef and ooey-gooey cheese, you are going to adore these Cheesy Baked Meat Patties. Imagine a seasoned, tender beef patty with a hidden melted cheese center, topped with golden, bubbly cheese that says dinner perfection. These patties come together with simple ingredients but deliver a flavor and texture that feels totally indulgent and homemade. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy meal, these Cheesy Baked Meat Patties will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Cheesy Baked Meat Patties is all about having a straightforward but thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and that irresistible cheesy surprise in the middle.

• 680 g beef mince 20% fat: Provides juicy flavor and keeps the patties tender as they bake.
• 1 small onion, finely grated: Adds natural sweetness and moisture without chunky bits.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that complements the meat beautifully.
• 60 g breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keep them from falling apart once cooked.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a perfect binder for all the ingredients to come together smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the mixture moist and tender inside.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami richness and slight tang.
• 1 teaspoon mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness that lifts the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend: Adds a wonderful aromatic herbiness that’s classic and familiar.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smoky depth that enhances the beef.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth and spice.
• 170 g cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), cut into 10-12 cubes: The gooey, molten center you’ll love biting into.
• 120 g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar): Sprinkled on top for that perfect golden crust.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brush the patties so they bake up beautifully browned and shiny.
• Handful fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional): For a burst of fresh color and mild herbal notes at the end.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Meat Patties

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Tray

Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil. This simple prep ensures your patties won’t stick and the bottoms brown nicely, giving a lovely texture contrast.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients

Put the beef mince, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a large bowl. Use your hands to gently combine everything just until mixed. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so keep your touch light and careful.

Step 3: Shape Patties with Cheese Centers

Divide the meat mixture into 10-12 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, then completely wrap the meat around it to seal the cheese inside. Shape the wrapped mixture into a patty about 1.5 cm thick. This hidden cheese surprise is exactly what makes these Cheesy Baked Meat Patties so unforgettable.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place the patties on your prepared tray, spaced apart so they have room to cook evenly. Brush the tops with olive oil to help the surface get a beautiful golden finish. Bake the patties for 12-14 minutes to let them cook through and start browning.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping and Finish Baking

Take the tray out of the oven and sprinkle the grated mozzarella or cheddar generously over each patty. Return the tray to the oven, baking for another 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 71°C for perfect doneness.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the patties rest for about 3 minutes after baking, allowing juices to redistribute. Scatter chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top if you like a mild fresh flavor and lovely presentation before serving. These little touches make your Cheesy Baked Meat Patties feel special and inviting.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Meat Patties

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens the plate and adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the cheese and meat. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite steak sauce works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

These patties pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic-roasted veggies are perfect companions, soaking up all those melted cheese juices. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the warm, savory patties.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Baked Meat Patties on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings for a hearty cheeseburger experience. Alternatively, slice them and serve over buttered noodles or rice for an easy, comforting dinner plate that pleases both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Cheesy Baked Meat Patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat wonderfully, making a quick lunch or dinner option when time is tight.

Freezing

These patties freeze best when cooked first but without the grated cheese topping. Freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add fresh grated cheese before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen patties in a moderate oven at about 180°C (350°F) for around 10 minutes, or until hot all the way through and cheese is melted. Avoid the microwave for reheating to keep the patties juicy and the cheese perfectly melted.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese inside the patties?

Absolutely! Mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully due to their melting characteristics, but feel free to experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain that lovely umami depth.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture just right without gluten.

Is it necessary to bake the patties, or can I cook them in a skillet?

Baking is preferred for the ease and even cooking, especially with the cheese center, but you can cook them in a skillet on medium heat. Just be very careful turning them to prevent any cheese oozing out prematurely.

How do I know the patties are fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). This ensures the beef is safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender inside.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong making these Cheesy Baked Meat Patties—they’re an effortless way to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, these patties deliver big on flavor, texture, and that satisfying cheesy surprise everyone loves. Give them a try soon and get ready to add a new favorite recipe to your dinner rotation!

Cheesy Baked Meat Patties

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Deliciously savory seasoned beef patties with a gooey melted cheese center, topped with golden baked cheese for an irresistible main course. These cheesy baked meat patties are easy to prepare and cook in the oven for hands-free convenience, perfect for family meals or entertaining.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 patties 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Patty Mixture

• 680 g beef mince (20% fat)
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 60 g breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Finishing

• 170 g cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), cut into 10-12 cubes
• 120 g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Handful fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and tray: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the patty mixture: In a large bowl, combine all patty ingredients except the cheese cubes—beef mince, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to keep the patties tender.
3. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 10-12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, then wrap the meat around it completely to encase the cheese. Shape each into a patty about 1.5 cm thick.
4. Arrange and oil the patties: Place the patties spaced apart on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
5. Bake the patties: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until partially cooked.
6. Add the grated cheese and finish baking: Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle grated cheese evenly over each patty. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F).
7. Rest and serve: Let the patties rest for 3 minutes after baking. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives before serving hot for a fresh touch.

Notes

• Wet your hands with water before shaping patties to prevent sticking.
• Grated onion adds moisture without noticeable chunks in the patties.
• Avoid overmixing the beef mixture to keep patties tender.
• Seal the cheese completely inside each patty to avoid leakage during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach a safe internal temperature of 71°C.
• For extra browning, finish the patties under a grill for 1-2 minutes if desired.
• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a moderate oven for 10 minutes for best texture and flavor.
• Freeze cooked patties without the grated cheese topping; add fresh cheese when reheating.