Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling
Traditional Russian pelmeni featuring tender dough pockets filled with juicy ground beef and aromatic sautéed onions. This russian-inspired dumplings ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, large eggs, lukewarm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tsp divided salt
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp for serving butter
- 1/2 cup for serving sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: To prepare dough, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add 2 large eggs and 3/4 cup lukewarm water gradually, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. Cover with a towel and rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: While dough rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté 1 large finely chopped yellow onion in a little oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, cooled sautéed onion, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt; mix gently until combined.
- Step 5: Roll dough out thinly (about 1/16 inch) and cut into 3-inch circles. Place 1 tsp meat filling in the center of each circle, fold over, and pinch edges tightly to seal pelmeni.
- Step 6: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pelmeni in batches for 5-6 minutes, until they float and are cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove with a slotted spoon, toss with 2 tbsp melted butter, and serve hot with 1/2 cup sour cream for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (45 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stuffed Pelmeni Dumplings with Savory Beef and Onion Filling?
Russian dumplings like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
