Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce
Golden, crispy meatballs made with a beef-pork blend, served with a sharp mustard dipping sauce for authentic Dutch pub fare. This dutch-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes blends ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chives
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 2: Form mixture into 12 equal balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add meatballs and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Step 4: While frying, whisk Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and chopped chives for the sauce. Drain meatballs on paper towels and serve immediately with sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Deep-Fried Beef Bitterballen with Mustard Sauce?
Dutch beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic taste. Made them for my Dutch friends and they said it was the best bitterballen they've had.
- ★★★★★
These were a hit at my family dinner! The beef was juicy and the mustard sauce was perfect.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the mustard sauce was a bit too tangy for my taste. Otherwise, perfect.
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