These Juicy Homemade Meat-Filled Dough Pockets are a comforting and savory dish made with a soft, easy-to-make dough and a flavorful meat and onion filling. With just a handful of pantry ingredients—flour, hot water, oil, onions, and ground meat—you can create a deeply satisfying meal that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. Perfect for freezing and reheating, these dough pockets are inspired by Eastern European and Central Asian cuisines, blending simple preparation with bold flavor.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 pockets
Cuisine: Eastern European / Central Asian

Ingredients
For the Dough:

• • 175 ml boiling water

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 350 g all-purpose flour

• 20 ml vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• • 2 medium onions, finely chopped

  • Fresh greens (parsley or dill), chopped, to taste

  • 250 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or mixed)

• Salt and spices (black pepper, paprika, cumin), to taste

• 30 ml boiling water

Step-by-Step Directions

Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add boiling water slowly while stirring with a spoon to avoid cooking the flour. Once combined, add the vegetable oil. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic—about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the minced meat, chopped onions, fresh herbs, salt, and your favorite spices. Add 30 ml of boiling water to the filling to keep it juicy. Mix until fully incorporated.

Divide the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into equal pieces (about 12 if making small pockets). Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out into thin rounds.

Fill and Seal
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pinching or pressing with a fork.

Cook the Pockets
Option 1 – Pan-fry: Heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet. Cook each pocket over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Option 2 – Steam: Place pockets in a steamer and steam for about 15–20 minutes.
Option 3 – Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake on a parchment-lined tray for 25–30 minutes or until golden.

Serve
Serve warm with sour cream, yogurt dip, or a simple salad.

Nutritional Information (per pocket)
Calories: ~180
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 300mg

Origin and Popularity
This style of meat-filled dough is found in many traditional cuisines, from Russian pirozhki and Uzbek manti, to Middle Eastern sambousek. Beloved for their portability and versatility, they’re enjoyed across generations and cultures.

Why You’ll Love It

• • Simple, everyday ingredients

  • Customizable filling

• • Great for freezing and reheating

  • Soft dough with juicy, flavorful filling

  • Works as a meal, snack, or appetizer

Health Benefits

• • Balanced with protein, carbs, and fat

• Can use lean meats and add more vegetables

• Can be baked or steamed for a lower-fat option

Serving Suggestions

• • With sour cream or garlic yogurt sauce

  • Alongside pickled vegetables or salad

• With a bowl of broth or tomato soup

Tips for Success

• • Don’t skip the water in the filling—it makes the meat extra juicy

  • Use freshly boiled water for tender dough

  • Let the dough rest for easier rolling

• Seal edges tightly to avoid leaks while cooking

Variations to Try

• • Add grated carrots or cabbage to the filling

  • Use cheese and spinach instead of meat

  • Spice it up with chili flakes or harissa

• Use sweet filling (apples or cottage cheese) for a dessert version

Conclusion
These Meat-Filled Dough Pockets are the ultimate comfort food. With a chewy homemade dough and a savory, juicy filling, they hit all the right notes. Whether you pan-fry, steam, or bake them, they’ll be a hit at the table every time. They’re budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—what more could you ask for? These Juicy Homemade Meat-Filled Dough Pockets are a comforting and savory dish made with a soft, easy-to-make dough and a flavorful meat and onion filling. With just a handful of pantry ingredients—flour, hot water, oil, onions, and ground meat—you can create a deeply satisfying meal that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. Perfect for freezing and reheating, these dough pockets are inspired by Eastern European and Central Asian cuisines, blending simple preparation with bold flavor.