Fleischpflanzerl

Name: Fleischpflanzerl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 egg; 2 tbsp capers, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp anchovy paste; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1.5 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup sour cream

German-style meatballs with onion, capers, and anchovy paste. Tender, savory, and traditionally served with caper sauce.

40 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

GermanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 egg
2 tbsp capers, finely chopped
1/2 tsp anchovy paste
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 cups beef broth
1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1

Soak 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup whole milk for 2 minutes until softened.
2

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1 egg, 2 tbsp finely chopped capers, 1/2 tsp anchovy paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form into 12-16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5

Brown the meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
6

Pour 1.5 cups beef broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7

Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8

Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream at the end and heat through without boiling. Serve hot.

Questions

Can I make Fleischpflanzerl dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup sour cream. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk; the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Fleischpflanzerl gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Fleischpflanzerl keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Fleischpflanzerl?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Blaukraut side
Kartoffelsalat (German Potato Salad) salad
Pretzel Salad dessert

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