German Falscher Hase Recipe – German Special

German Falscher Hase, translating to “False Hare,” is a traditional meatloaf that has been a staple in German households for generations. This hearty dish features a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onions, mustard, and paprika, and enveloping hard-boiled eggs at its core. Wrapped in crispy bacon, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Often served with mashed potatoes and red cabbage, Falscher Hase brings a taste of German comfort to your table.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time50 min
  • Total Time1 hr 10 min

German Falscher Hase Ingredients:

  • 750g (1.6 lbs) ground beef or mixed ground meat (beef and pork)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk and squeezed dry
  • 2 eggs (raw, for mixing)
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding or coating)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for brushing)

For Gravy (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Preheat Oven:

1

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Sauté Onions:

2

In a small skillet, sauté the chopped onions in butter or oil until soft. Let cool slightly.

Mix Meatloaf:

3

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, soaked bread, sautéed onions, raw eggs, mustard, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Shape the Loaf:

4

On parchment or a flat surface, shape the meat mixture into a rectangle. Place the boiled eggs lengthwise in the center, then fold the meat over to form a loaf, sealing the eggs inside.

Bake:

5

Transfer the loaf to a greased baking dish. Brush with oil and bake for 45–50 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Optional Gravy:

6

In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in beef broth. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:

7

Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with gravy, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.

Recipe Notes :

Bread Tip: If you don’t have white bread, you can substitute with breadcrumbs. Just ensure to soak them in milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Egg Placement: For an even distribution of hard-boiled eggs, consider placing them in the center of the meat mixture and folding the sides over.

Bacon Wrapping: To prevent the bacon from curling during baking, secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Gravy Addition: Enhance the dish by serving it with a rich brown gravy made from the pan drippings.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.