Pierogi and Meatball Skillet Recipe
A comforting one-skillet meal combining tender, golden pierogies and flavorful meatballs in a rich, creamy beef gravy. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish blends Eastern European flavors with classic American comfort food techniques.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European American Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Meatballs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
Pierogies & Skillet Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 box (16 oz) frozen pierogies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup whole milk (additional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill, for serving
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup whole milk and panko breadcrumbs. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed, creating a moist base for the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Add the egg, grated garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix well. Then incorporate the ground beef and ground pork, mixing until fully combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, roll the mixture into approximately 20 evenly sized meatballs.
- Cook Pierogies: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen pierogies with 2 tablespoons of water; cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Remove the lid and pan-fry the pierogies an additional 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Fry Meatballs: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning frequently, until they are deeply golden and cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove meatballs and drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Make Sauce: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden, about 4 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in beef broth and 1/2 cup whole milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low and whisk in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for added depth of flavor.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the pierogies and meatballs to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Gently stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the dish before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or chives if parsley or dill aren’t available.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying meatballs for even browning.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: pierogi skillet, meatball recipe, comfort food, one-pan dinner, Eastern European, beef and pork meatballs, creamy sauce