At Poppy Ski's Pierogi, we believe that the best culinary experiences often come from unexpected combinations. Our Pierogi-Stuffed Smoked Meatloaf is the perfect example - a delightful surprise of our signature pierogi nestled inside a flavorful smoked meatloaf.
Discover the Treasure Within
What makes this dish special isn't just what you see on the outside, but the hidden gems you'll find with each slice. Imagine cutting into a perfectly smoked meatloaf to reveal buttery pierogi and sweet caramelized onions inside - it's a treasure worth discovering!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground hamburger meat
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1-1½ cups Italian breadcrumbs (as needed)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or as my sister-in-law refers to it, "wash-your-sister" sauce )
- Cuso's Roasted Garlic and Onion Seasoning
- Cuso's Gravel Seasoning
For the hidden treasure filling:
- 12 dozen Poppy Ski's Pierogi, lightly pan-fried in butter and cooled
- Caramelized onions, cooled (find this recipe in our pierogi grilled cheese recipe )
The Treasure Map (Instructions)
1. Begin your journey: Light your smoker and set the temperature to 225°F.
2. Prepare the outer layer: Mix all meatloaf ingredients together thoroughly, but be gentle - overmixing can make your meatloaf tough rather than tender.
3. Hide your treasures:
- Split your meatloaf mixture into two equal portions
- Form the first half into a base with a hollow center (this is where your treasure goes!)
- Arrange your cooled pierogi and caramelized onions in the center
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture, carefully sealing the edges
4. Smoke to perfection: Let your creation smoke at 225°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F for medium (with a hint of pink) or 160°F for medium-well to well-done.
Tools of the Trade
For consistent results, we use the Meater smart meat thermometer when smoking. It tracks both the internal meat temperature and the ambient temperature of your smoker, plus it gives you an estimated completion time - perfect for planning your meal!
Our current favorite seasonings come from Cuso's, though Spiceology also offers excellent options. These premium blends add depth and complexity to everything from meats and vegetables to breakfast dishes.
Make It Your Own Treasure
Don't be afraid to experiment with different pierogi flavors! While our classic potato and cheese pierogi are always a winner, this recipe also works beautifully with our cabbage flavored pierogi for an inside-out golumpki (stuffed cabbage), or piggies as my Gram refers to them.
This dish brings together the smoky richness of meatloaf with the comforting familiarity of pierogi, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. It's perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday meals, or anytime you want to impress with something truly unique.
We'd love to see your creation! Tag us in your photos on social media with #PoppySkisTreasure or #HiddenPierogi.
Note: The product mentions in this post reflect our genuine preferences and are not sponsored. We simply enjoy sharing what works well in our kitchen!
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