Hamburger meat in gravy ( Croatian style) and noodles

 

🇭🇷 Hamburger Meat in Gravy (Croatian Style) with Noodles

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Introduction: A Taste of Croatian Home Cooking

In Croatia, traditional home-cooked meals often center on simple, hearty dishes made with fresh, accessible ingredients. One beloved comfort dish is “Mljeveno meso u umaku” or hamburger meat in gravy — juicy beef patties simmered in a savory onion and tomato-based gravy, deeply flavored with herbs and spices. This dish pairs perfectly with soft, homemade noodles, making for a filling, satisfying meal that brings families together.

Unlike typical American-style hamburgers, these Croatian meat patties are smaller, tender, and richly flavored, cooked gently in a luscious gravy that soaks into every bite. The gravy is typically made with aromatic onions, garlic, and often a touch of tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, with subtle hints of paprika and herbs like bay leaves or parsley. The noodles served alongside are often simple egg noodles, cooked al dente and dressed lightly with butter or oil.

This recipe guide will help you master this classic Croatian comfort food step-by-step, including background tips, ingredient choices, and ways to customize to your taste.

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Table of Contents

1. Ingredients Breakdown

2. Croatian Style Hamburger Meat (Mljeveno Meso) Explained

3. Making the Perfect Meat Patties

4. Preparing the Gravy (Umak)

5. Cooking the Noodles (Rezanci)

6. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

7. Tips for Authentic Croatian Flavor

8. Variations and Customizations

9. Serving Suggestions and Presentation

10. Leftover Storage and Reheating

11. Nutritional Information

12. FAQs

13. Final Notes

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1. Ingredients Breakdown

For the Hamburger Meat Patties:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup fresh white bread crumbs (or stale bread soaked in milk)

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sweet paprika (optional, traditional Croatian touch)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tbsp)

• 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil (for frying)

For the Gravy (Umak):

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1-2 cups beef or vegetable broth

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp sweet paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Noodles (Rezanci):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)

• 3 large eggs

• Pinch of salt

• Water (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)

• Butter or oil (to toss noodles after cooking)

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2. Croatian Style Hamburger Meat (Mljeveno Meso) Explained

Unlike the American hamburger, Croatian-style minced meat patties tend to be softer and more delicate, flavored with garlic, onion, and herbs, and often pan-fried until golden brown. They are then simmered gently in a rich gravy that adds moisture and a burst of flavor.

Traditionally, these meat patties are smaller, about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger, and flattened slightly before cooking. The use of fresh bread crumbs soaked in milk is essential for tenderness.

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3. Making the Perfect Meat Patties

Preparing the Meat Mixture:

1. Start by finely chopping or grating the onion. This ensures it melts into the meat rather than creating large pieces.

2. Soak bread crumbs in milk until soft, then squeeze out excess moisture.

3. In a bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley.

4. Mix everything thoroughly but gently. Avoid overmixing as this can make the patties tough.

5. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld.

Forming Patties:

• Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

• Take about 2-3 tablespoons of mixture and roll into a ball.

• Flatten gently into a patty about ½ inch thick.

• Place on a tray and cover until ready to fry.

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4. Preparing the Gravy (Umak)

Croatian gravy for this dish is simple but packed with flavor.

• Start by gently frying onions until translucent and soft in oil or butter.

• Add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant.

• Stir in tomato paste and paprika, cooking for a minute to develop flavor.

• Pour in broth gradually, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.

• Add a bay leaf and simmer gently to allow flavors to combine.

• If the gravy is too thin, whisk in a little flour mixed with cold water (a slurry) and simmer until thickened.

• Season with salt and pepper.

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5. Cooking the Noodles (Rezanci)

Making the Dough:

1. Place the flour on a clean surface or in a large bowl, make a well in the center.

2. Crack eggs into the well, add a pinch of salt.

3. Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour, drawing flour in from the sides.

4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.

Rolling and Cutting:

• Roll dough thinly on a floured surface.

• Cut into strips about ¼ inch wide to create noodles.

• Dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Cooking:

• Boil salted water in a large pot.

• Add noodles and cook 3-5 minutes until tender but firm (al dente).

• Drain and toss with butter or oil to keep them separate.

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6. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Patties

• Form meat patties and set aside.

Step 2: Pan-fry Patties

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add patties in batches, cooking until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).

• Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Gravy

• In the same skillet, add oil/butter and sauté onions until soft.

• Add garlic, tomato paste, paprika; stir well.

• Pour in broth, add bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.

• Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

• Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until patties are cooked through and gravy thickens.

Step 4: Prepare Noodles

• While patties simmer, cook noodles as described above.

• Toss with butter or oil.

Step 5: Serve

• Spoon noodles onto plates.

• Place hamburger meat patties on top.

• Ladle gravy over the patties and noodles.

• Garnish with fresh parsley.

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7. Tips for Authentic Croatian Flavor

• Use sweet paprika for authentic flavor; smoked paprika can also be used but changes the profile.

• Fresh parsley adds brightness — don’t skip it.

• Use homemade or good quality broth for richer gravy.

• Avoid overcooking noodles — al dente is best.

• Let patties rest in the fridge before cooking for better texture.

• Use a cast-iron skillet for better browning of patties.

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8. Variations and Customizations

• Add mushrooms to gravy: Sauté mushrooms with onions for earthy richness.

• Use pork or veal mix: Ground pork or veal mixed with beef for milder flavor.

• Add cream to gravy: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a creamy twist.

• Herb variations: Add dill or marjoram for different herbaceous notes.

• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or hot paprika if you prefer some heat.

• Cheese topping: Sprinkle grated cheese over the dish before serving for a richer experience.

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9. Serving Suggestions and Presentation

• Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or fresh salad for acidity.

• Traditional Croatian side salads include fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

• Crusty bread or rolls on the side are great for soaking up extra gravy.

• A glass of Croatian red wine like Plavac Mali pairs beautifully with this meal.

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10. Leftover Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen gravy.

• Noodles can be reheated separately or together with the meat and gravy.

• For best texture, avoid microwaving if possible.

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11. Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 500

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: Variable (depending on broth and added salt)

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy. Also, use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice or potato-based pasta.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare patties ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh noodles?
A: Store-bought egg noodles or pasta can be used as a quick substitute.

Q: Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, then simmer in gravy.

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13. Final Notes

Hamburger Meat in Gravy Croatian style is a soul-warming dish that showcases the simple yet bold flavors of Croatian cuisine. The combination of tender, juicy meat patties, rich tomato-onion gravy, and homemade egg noodles creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Whether cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Try making it soon — you’ll have a taste of Croatia right at your table.