Eastern European Kotlety

4.8
(11)
8 Reviews
4 Photos

While growing up, my Polish-Russian grandmother, who lived with our family, made these little meat patties quite often and they were a family favorite. Here is my rendition, from what I remember when cooking with Grandma, as she never wrote the recipe down. The patties were always served with mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, and, of course, plenty of ketchup for the patties.

Submitted by LYNNINMA
Updated on September 11, 2023
close up view of a pile of Kotlety with fresh herbs on a white plate
4
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
12 patties
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 ⅓ pounds lean ground beef

  • ⅔ cup milk cracker crumbs

  • 1 small sweet yellow onion, minced

  • 1 egg, well beaten

  • 1 tablespoon milk

  • 1 clove garlic, minced (Optional)

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ cup vegetable shortening for frying

Directions

  1. Mix ground beef, cracker crumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until evenly blended. Shape meat mixture into twelve 3-inch patties about 1 1/4-inch thick.

  2. Heat vegetable shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, uncovered, until patties are no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes more. Remove patties from skillet and drain on paper towels until ready to serve.

Cook’s Note

Grandma used to make these with Nabisco Royal Lunch Milk crackers, but they have been discontinued for some years now. Instead, I use Heritage Mills Classic Lunch Milk crackers (made in Canada) which I purchase at my local Demoulas Market Basket store. However, any other similar milk cracker may be used in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

338 Calories
19g Fat
19g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 338
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 620mg 27%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 62mg 5%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 300mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.