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September 28, 2026
Recipe Rissoles Easy Homemade Beef and Chicken Rissoles
Make easy homemade rissoles with these simple recipes. Learn what rissoles are, what they mean and how to make beef or chicken rissoles.
If you have never made rissoles before, you are missing out on one of those simple family dinners that doesn’t need to be complicated. A few basic ingredients, a mixing bowl and a frying pan are pretty much all you need!
This recipe rissoles guide shows you how to make classic homemade beef rissoles that are crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle and packed with simple flavors. They are cheap, easy and great for using ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
And if beef isn’t your thing, don’t worry. I’ll also cover chicken rissoles and how you can turn this basic recipe into an easy chicken version.
What Are Rissoles?
So, what are rissoles? Rissoles are small, seasoned meat patties that are usually made by combining ground meat with ingredients such as onion, breadcrumbs, egg and herbs or seasonings.
The mixture is shaped into small, flat patties before being cooked in a frying pan until golden brown. They’re similar to meatballs or burgers, but rissoles are generally smaller and often contain breadcrumbs and vegetables mixed directly into the meat.
Rissoles are particularly popular as an easy family meal because they’re inexpensive, filling and incredibly versatile.
Rissoles Meaning What Does Rissole Mean?
The rissoles meaning can vary slightly depending on where you live. The word “rissole” comes from an older French culinary term referring to a small seasoned food that was cooked until browned.
Today, the term is commonly used for small meat patties, particularly in Australian and British cooking.
In Australia, beef rissoles are a classic home-style meal and are often served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad or gravy.
Rissoles What To Serve With Them
There are plenty of easy sides that work with homemade rissoles.
For a classic dinner, serve them with mashed potatoes, peas, carrots and gravy. It’s simple comfort food and doesn’t cost a fortune.
You can also serve rissoles with:
French fries
Roasted potatoes
Green beans
Steamed vegetables
Garden salad
Coleslaw
Rice
Gravy
Dinner rolls
Leftover rissoles are also great in sandwiches or burgers the next day!
Recipe Rissoles Easy Homemade Rissoles
Beef Rissoles A Classic Family Dinner
Beef rissoles are probably the version most people think of when they hear the word rissole. Ground beef gives them plenty of flavor, while breadcrumbs help create a softer texture.
The onion also adds moisture and flavor as the rissoles cook. I like adding a little ketchup and Worcestershire sauce because they give the meat mixture a slightly sweet and savory flavor without needing a long list of spices.
You can make these rissoles fairly small for children or make them larger if you want to serve them as the main part of a dinner.
Easy Homemade Beef Rissoles
This easy recipe rissoles version uses simple ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. The mixture can be prepared in about 10 minutes, then the rissoles are cooked in a frying pan until browned and cooked through.
Rissoles Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
Rissole Instructions
Prepare the mixture: Add the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
Mix everything together: Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients. Don’t overmix the meat or the rissoles can become tough.
Shape the rissoles: Divide the mixture into about 8 portions and shape each one into a small, flat patty.
Heat the pan: Add the vegetable oil to a large frying pan and heat over medium heat.
Cook the rissoles: Place the rissoles into the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
Serve: Remove from the pan and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
That’s it! Simple, inexpensive and very family-friendly.
Chicken Rissoles A Lighter Alternative
If you want to try something different, chicken rissoles are an easy alternative to traditional beef rissoles.
Ground chicken has a milder flavor, so you can add extra herbs, garlic or vegetables to give the rissoles more flavor. Grated zucchini or carrot also works well because it adds moisture to the mixture.
Chicken rissoles can be served with exactly the same side dishes as beef rissoles, making them an easy way to change up your weekly dinner routine.
Chicken Rissoles Recipe
This simple chicken rissoles recipe uses the same basic method as the beef version.
Rissole Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Rissoles Instructions
Add the ground chicken, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 8 small patties.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Cook the chicken rissoles for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Because ground chicken can be quite soft, chilling the shaped rissoles for 15-20 minutes before cooking can make them easier to handle.
The great thing about homemade rissoles is that you can change the flavor without changing the basic recipe.
Try adding grated carrot, zucchini, chopped parsley or finely diced capsicum to the mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
For a stronger savory flavor, add a little extra Worcestershire sauce. For something with more of a Mediterranean twist, try oregano, garlic and a little crumbled feta.
Can You Bake Rissoles?
Yes! If you don’t want to fry your rissoles, they can be baked in the oven.
Place the shaped rissoles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly brush or spray them with oil. Bake at 400°F for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your rissoles, so make sure they are cooked through before serving.
Can You Freeze Rissoles?
Rissoles are excellent for meal prep because they freeze well.
You can freeze uncooked rissoles by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen.
You can also freeze cooked rissoles. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Having a batch of homemade rissoles in the freezer makes those busy weeknights much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rissoles?
Rissoles are small seasoned meat patties made from ground meat combined with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, egg, onion and herbs. They are shaped into patties and cooked until browned and cooked through.
What is the difference between a rissole and a burger?
Rissoles are usually smaller and often contain breadcrumbs, onion, egg and other ingredients mixed directly into the meat. A burger patty is generally made mostly from ground meat and is commonly served inside a bun.
Can I make rissoles with chicken?
Yes! Chicken rissoles are an easy alternative to beef rissoles. Ground chicken works particularly well with onion, breadcrumbs, garlic and fresh or dried herbs.
Why are my rissoles falling apart?
The mixture may need a little more binding. Make sure you are using enough egg and breadcrumbs, and try chilling the shaped rissoles before cooking.
Can I make rissoles ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and shape the rissoles several hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
These easy recipe rissoles are a great example of simple homemade food that doesn’t need to cost much or take hours to prepare. Classic beef rissoles are packed with savory flavor, while chicken rissoles give you an easy alternative when you want to change things up.
Make a big batch, serve them with mashed potatoes and vegetables, or put the leftovers into sandwiches the next day. Better yet, freeze some for another night!
If you’ve never made rissoles before, give this recipe a try. Once you’ve got the basic mixture right, you can easily add your own vegetables, herbs and seasonings to create your own favorite version.
