This delicious stuffed pastry bake is a savory treat combining ground meat, vegetables, mushrooms, and cheese, wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. It’s the perfect dish for special occasions or a hearty family meal.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- Ground Meat (Beef or Pork): 600 g (1.3 lbs)
- Eggs: 4 (2 for mixing, 1 for egg wash, 1 boiled)
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato Paste: 40 g (2 tablespoons)
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Butter: 50 g (3.5 tablespoons)
- Mushrooms (Champignons): 200 g (7 oz), sliced
- Cream: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
- Puff Pastry: 500 g (17.6 oz), store-bought or homemade
- Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), shredded
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Pickled Cucumber: 1, finely chopped
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard: 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 40 g of tomato paste, then mix thoroughly.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat a skillet with butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the grated carrot and cook until softened.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and are cooked through.
- Combine Filling Ingredients:
- Mix the cooked vegetables into the meat mixture. Stir in the cream and dill for added richness and flavor.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry to fit your baking dish.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat filling.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling or cover with another sheet of puff pastry, sealing the edges.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of the pastry for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake the pastry for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, minced garlic, and chopped pickled cucumber.
- Serve:
- Slice the pastry into portions and serve hot with the prepared sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as an appetizer or main course with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the ground meat is seasoned thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the puff pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices of the pastry.
- For extra crispiness, bake the pastry on the lower oven rack for the first 10 minutes.
- Customize the filling by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Ground Meat: A good source of protein and essential minerals.
- Vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein.
- Puff Pastry: Offers energy from carbohydrates and fats, making this a satisfying dish.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without substitutions.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked portions for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfect for entertaining guests with its impressive presentation.
- Combines the richness of meat and cheese with the flakiness of puff pastry.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- A hearty dish that’s suitable for any time of day.
- The tangy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Conclusion: This stuffed puff pastry bake is a delightful dish that’s easy to make yet full of flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy pastry and hearty filling!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes, just ensure it is thawed completely before using.
- What other meats can I use? Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are excellent substitutes.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the meat with cooked lentils, beans, or tofu.
- How do I prevent soggy pastry? Cool the filling slightly and avoid overloading it with wet ingredients.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Warm in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Can I freeze the unbaked pastry? Yes, freeze assembled pastry and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What cheese works best? Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère are great options for this dish.
- Can I add spices? Yes, paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
- What’s the best side dish for this bake? A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully.