Ground Meat and Puff Pastry Recipe

This Ground Meat and Puff Pastry dish is a savory, flaky, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for appetizers, dinner, or a snack. The crispy puff pastry encases a juicy, seasoned ground meat filling for a dish that’s easy to make and universally loved.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

  • Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (approximately 500 g), thawed if frozen
  • Ground Meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey): 500 g (1 lb)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Carrot: 1 small, grated (optional)
  • Olive Oil or Butter: 1 tablespoon
  • Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Dried Oregano or Thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Egg Yolk: 1, beaten (for brushing)
  • Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
    • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in the grated carrot (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
    • Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
    • Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 more minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Assemble the Pastries:
    • Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut them into rectangles or squares, depending on your desired size.
    • Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each pastry piece, leaving a border around the edges.
    • Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket, triangle, or roll shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
  4. Prepare for Baking:
    • Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
    • Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra flavor and texture, if desired.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  6. Serve:
    • Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
  2. Serve with ketchup, tzatziki, or a spicy yogurt dip for dipping.
  3. Add a bowl of soup on the side for a hearty dinner.
  4. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a savory snack.
  5. Serve as part of a party platter with other finger foods.

Cooking Tips

  1. Ensure the meat filling is cool before assembling to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
  2. For extra flavor, add grated cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the filling.
  3. Use pre-seasoned ground sausage for a quick alternative.
  4. Avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent bursting during baking.
  5. Freeze unbaked pastries for quick meals later; bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Ground Meat: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
  • Puff Pastry: Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats.
  • Vegetables: Adds fiber and vitamins.

Dietary Information

  • Can be made dairy-free if no cheese is added.
  • Adaptable for different dietary needs by using ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile and customizable with different fillings.
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
  • Great balance of crispy pastry and flavorful filling.

Conclusion
This Ground Meat and Puff Pastry recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust and savory filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
    Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.
  2. Can I make these vegetarian?
    Substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.
  3. What other seasonings can I use?
    Curry powder, cumin, or Italian herbs work well for different flavor profiles.
  4. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
    Ensure the filling is not overly wet and let it cool completely before assembling.
  5. Can I add cheese to the filling?
    Absolutely! Grated cheddar, mozzarella, or feta pairs wonderfully with the meat.
  6. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the pastries and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
  7. What dipping sauces go well with these pastries?
    Serve with marinara, tzatziki, or a spicy yogurt dip.
  8. Can I make mini versions?
    Yes, cut the pastry into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
  9. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes.
  10. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
    Yes, but the texture will be different. Brush each phyllo layer with butter for best results.