Crispy Cheeseburger Pierogi Skillet with Caramelized Onions
Comfort food gets a serious upgrade in this vibrant, one-pan meal. If you love a loaded burger and crispy pierogi, this mashup is about to become a frequent flyer on your dinner rotation.We are skipping the boiling water and going straight for a steam-crisp technique that keeps the pierogi centers creamy while giving the outsides a beautiful golden crunch. Layered with savoury ground beef, jammy caramelized onions, and plenty of sharp cheddar, it is finished with all the fresh burger fixings and a drizzle of tangy sauce. It is fun, impressive to look at, and incredibly satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise 80 ml
- 2 tablespoon ketchup 30 ml
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 15 ml
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles finely chopped,15 ml
- 1 teaspoon pickle brine 5 ml
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2.5 ml
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1.25 ml
Cheeseburger Pierogi Skillet
- 1 lb 8 oz frozen potato-cheddar pierogi 600 to 700 g
- 1 lb medium ground beef 450 g
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, about ½ lb (225 g)
- 2 ½ tablespoon neutral oil divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 14 g
- ⅓ cup water plus extra if needed for steaming, 80 ml
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 5 ml
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 5 ml
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml dill pickle brine 5 ml
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided 4.5 g
- ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 g
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1.5 g
- 1 ¼ cups shredded old cheddar cheese 125 g
Fresh Burger Finish
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce finely shredded, 20 g
- 1 small firm Roma tomato seeded and finely diced (patted dry)
- ⅓ cup dill pickles diced, 50 g
- 2 tablespoon red onion finely diced, 20 g
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 9 g
- Fresh chives or parsley optional
- Jalapeno slices, optional
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the sliced onions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the onions are deeply softened, golden, and jammy. If they darken too quickly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to help them collapse. Once glossy and rich, transfer them to a plate or small tray
Mix the Burger Sauce
- While the onions are working, whisk together all the burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Keep this refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Brown the Beef
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into irregular crumbles until fully browned. Spoon off any excessive fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire, mustard, pickle brine, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 30 seconds more, then transfer the beef to the plate/tray with the caramelized onions. Wipe out any burnt bits from the skillet.
Steam-Crisp the Pierogi
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of oil. Arrange the frozen pierogi in a single layer, flat side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they just begin to show colour. Pour in ⅓ cup of water and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam for 5 to 7 minutes until the pierogi are hot and tender. Uncover and allow any remaining water to evaporate. Turn the pierogies and add the butter and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and crisp. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.
What is Steam-Crisping? This technique involves searing the pierogi briefly, then adding a small amount of liquid and covering the pan. The steam cooks the dough and filling quickly, while the subsequent fry in butter ensures a crisp exterior without the need for boiling.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Pierogi Skillet
- Transfer 6 to 8 pierogi to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to low. Return the beef and caramelized onions to the skillet, nesting them around the remaining pierogi. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Finishing Touches
- Remove from the heat. Place the reserved pierogi back on top, browned side up. Scatter the shredded lettuce in the gaps between the pierogi. Add the diced tomatoes, pickles, and red onion in small pockets. Drizzle with the burger sauce and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
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Notes
Tips, Substitutions & Serving Suggestions
- The “Hero” Pierogi: By setting aside a few pierogi to place on top at the end, you ensure the dish remains visually appealing, and the textures stay distinct rather than getting buried under the toppings.
- Substitutions: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some pickled jalapeños to the fresh toppings.
- Serving Suggestions: This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad.
- Pro Tip: Ensure your tomato is seeded and patted dry. This prevents the moisture from the tomato from making your crispy pierogi soggy.
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