Kotlecky Ukrainian Meatballs

Dive into the heart of Ukrainian comfort food with Kotlecky Ukrainian Meatballs, a savory dish brimming with old-world charm and flavor. Made with a perfectly seasoned blend of ground pork and beef, these tender meatballs are enriched by soaked bread, fresh parsley, and aromatic garlic and onion. Lightly pan-fried for a golden crust, they’re then simmered in a velvety tomato gravy made with rich beef broth and a hint of sweetness. This classic recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying, ideal for serving over creamy mashed potatoes or hearty rye bread. Whether you garnish with a dollop of sour cream or enjoy them as-is, these Ukrainian meatballs promise a comforting and authentic dining experience. Perfect for cozy evenings and ready in just an hour, this recipe is a must-try for fans of Eastern European cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g Ground pork
• 500 g Ground beef
• 2 slices White bread
• 120 ml Whole milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1 large Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 3 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 250 ml Beef broth
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 0 Sour cream (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

1. Place the slices of white bread in a small bowl and pour the milk over them. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out the excess milk and crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, crumbled bread, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well-combined.

Step 4

4. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and lightly flatten them into patties for even cooking.

Step 5

5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge each meatball lightly in flour to coat, shaking off the excess.

Step 6

6. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 7

7. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and stir in the tomato paste. Cook the paste for 1–2 minutes to develop flavor, then stir in the beef broth and sugar.

Step 8

8. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 9

9. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and serve hot, topped with the rich tomato-onion gravy. Garnish with sour cream, if desired, and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a slice of Ukrainian rye bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1865.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3521.4

Total Fat 253.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 26.4g
Cholesterol 1183.7mg	0%
Sodium 5620.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.5g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 243.4g	0%

Vitamin D 136.5IU	0%
Calcium 651.7mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 2584.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.6%

Protein: 27.6%

Carbs: 7.9%