Budget-Friendly Pork Patties: Easy Weeknight Dinner

These pork patties are made with simple ingredients and come together in about 38 minutes. The recipe costs $5.87 in total, or $0.98 per serving, and the patties pair well with almost any side.

What this costs

These are estimated costs based on typical U.S. supermarket store-brand prices in September 2026. Prices vary by store and region, so treat them as a guide.

Ingredient cost = pack price ÷ pack quantity × amount used. Cost per serving = total recipe cost ÷ servings.

Ingredient Notes and Cheaper Swaps

Ground Pork

Lean ground pork gives good flavor without too much grease. If regular ground pork is cheaper, it works too; you may need to drain a little extra fat from the pan after cooking. Ground turkey or chicken can also replace the pork, adjusting the cooking time slightly. If you have pork cutlets rather than ground meat, follow the air fryer pork cutlets recipe instead.

Onion

If you don’t have a fresh onion, use about 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion or 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder; the texture will be different without the fresh diced onion.

Fresh Herbs

If fresh herbs are out of your budget or unavailable, use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Fresh chives or cilantro also work.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and keep them moist. If you don’t have any, toast a slice or two of stale bread and crumble it, or use crushed saltine crackers.

How to Make Pork Patties Step by Step

Peel and finely dice half a medium onion, small enough to blend into the patty mixture without being chunky. Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley so their flavor spreads evenly through the meat.

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the egg, diced onion, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, salt and pepper. Mix gently, just until combined; overmixing leads to tough, dense patties.

Pour the flour into a shallow dish. Scoop out the meat mixture with a slightly overflowing 1/3 cup measure to make six patties. Gently flatten each into a patty about 1 inch thick, then dredge it in the flour until coated on all sides. The flour coating helps create a golden crust when fried.

Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the patties without overcrowding the pan, cooking in batches if necessary.

Cook the patties for 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F on a meat thermometer. The full quantities and steps are in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the protein in the meat, leading to a tougher texture.
• Even Thickness: A consistent 1-inch thickness helps the patties cook evenly, so none burn while others are still raw.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, so the patties steam instead of searing.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Store cooked pork patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, let them cool, flash freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or in the microwave.

Serving Ideas and Variations

• Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard.
• With Gravy: Add a simple brown or mushroom gravy, especially with mashed potatoes. If that potato pairing appeals to you, try mashed potatoes with sausage for another dinner.
• Over Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or egg noodles.
• Breakfast Patties: Make them smaller and serve with eggs and toast.

When you have time for a longer cooking project and want pork for a crowd, choose oven-roasted pork shoulder.

Emily Carter

Pork Patties

Simple and budget-friendly pork patties made with lean ground pork, onion, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 6 patties

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 243

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground pork
• 1 large egg
• ½ medium onion diced
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Sharp knife
• 1 Shallow Dish for flour dredging
• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 spatula
• 1 Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. Peel and finely dice the half medium onion; wash and finely chop the fresh dill and parsley.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, egg, diced onion, breadcrumbs, chopped dill, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt.
3. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
4. Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish for dredging.
5. Scoop about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture and form it into a patty, approximately 1 inch thick; dredge each patty in the flour, coating all sides.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
7. Carefully place the floured patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
8. Cook patties for 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Ensure the internal temperature of the pork patties reaches 160°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Notes

Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep patties tender.

Even patties: Form patties to a consistent 1-inch thickness for even cooking.

Food safety: Always ensure ground pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Make ahead: Form patties up to a day in advance and store in the fridge before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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