Hungarian meat-filled dumplings, known as húsos töltött tészta, are a traditional comfort food featuring tender dough parcels stuffed with a savory, spiced meat filling. Boiled or pan-fried, they’re a beloved staple of Hungarian cuisine, often served with sour cream, butter, or caramelized onions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup lukewarm water adjust as needed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 250 g ground pork or a mix with beef or veal
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil or lard
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish like parsley or dill
- Caramelized onions for topping
- Melted butter for serving
- Crispy bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the egg in the center and slowly incorporate water until the dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Cook the filling: Heat oil or lard in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until golden and soft. Add minced garlic and ground meat, and cook until browned. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Let the filling cool before assembling the dumplings.
- Shape the dumplings: Roll out the dough to about 2mm thick and cut it into circles or squares. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each piece. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges tightly. Pinch the edges or press with a fork to ensure a good seal.
- Cook the dumplings: Choose your preferred cooking method:Boiled: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the dumplings and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove and drain.Fried: After boiling, heat some butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the dumplings until golden and crispy on both sides. Serve hot.
- Serve: Serve the dumplings with sour cream and fresh herbs for a light and creamy finish. For added flavor, top with caramelized onions, melted butter, and crispy bacon bits.
Notes
Traditional Hungarian dumplings – a comforting bite of home
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about traditional recipes — the kind that bring back memories of shared meals, warm kitchens, and comforting flavors. One such dish in Hungarian cuisine is húsos töltött tészta — soft dough dumplings filled with juicy, seasoned meat. It’s a humble recipe, but one that carries generations of flavor, culture, and love. These meat-filled dumplings are a staple in many Hungarian homes, whether served at big family gatherings or as a simple weekday meal. The dough is tender and homemade, the filling rich and flavorful — a mix of pork, beef, or veal seasoned with sweet paprika, garlic, and onions. And the best part? You can enjoy them boiled until soft or pan-fried until golden and crispy.
Hungary shares its love for dumplings with many neighboring countries — think Polish pierogi, Russian pelmeni, or even Italian ravioli. But húsos töltött tészta has its own character, thanks to Hungary’s signature spices and rustic cooking traditions.
What makes them special?
These dumplings aren’t just about the filling — they’re about texture, technique, and the feeling of home. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, a perfect match for the savory meat mixture tucked inside. You can keep things simple and serve them boiled with a dollop of sour cream, or get a bit indulgent and fry them in butter until crisp, then top them with caramelized onions or crispy bacon. Either way, they’re full of flavor and soul. They’re also surprisingly versatile — perfect as a main dish, side, or even an appetizer at a cozy dinner with friends.How to serve them
Here are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy húsos töltött tészta: 🥄 With a spoonful of sour cream and fresh herbs – creamy, tangy, and light✨ Topped with caramelized onions – sweet and savory perfection
🌿 Drizzled with melted butter – rich and silky
🥓 Sprinkled with crispy bacon bits – for that extra indulgence You can also serve them with a simple side salad or a rich paprika sauce for added flavor 🌶️
Why this dish deserves a spot on your table
There’s a reason these dumplings have stayed in Hungarian kitchens for generations — they’re comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying. They’re not fancy, but that’s the beauty of them. They bring people together and warm the soul, one bite at a time. If you’ve never made homemade dumplings before, don’t worry — they’re easier than you think and so worth the effort. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later. Whether you’re feeding family or just cooking for yourself, húsos töltött tészta is a dish that delivers every single time.More Hungarian recipes
