Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 500 grams ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon ground dried garlic
• 70 grams breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• A handful of dill and parsley, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped

For the Pastry and Assembly:

• 450 grams puff pastry (without yeast)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Garlic Cheese Sauce:

• 100 grams cheese, grated
• 100 grams butter
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon dry ground garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Vegetable Side:

• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 pickles, thinly sliced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings

Serves 6

Calories per Serving

Approximately 520 kcal

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, two eggs, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika powder, and ground dried garlic.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, red pepper, dill, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Filling

1. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your countertop.
2. Transfer the beef mixture onto it and shape it into a compact log, roughly 8-10 inches in length.
3. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the beef log completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Wellington

1. Unwrap the chilled beef log and place it in the center of the puff pastry.
2. Fold the pastry over the beef, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Trim any excess pastry for a neat finish.
3. Place the wrapped Wellington seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the top and sides with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Wellington

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Cheese Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the grated cheese, mayonnaise, dry ground garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7: Make the Vegetable Side

1. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the grated carrot and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the sliced pickles and sour cream, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and season to taste.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

1. Allow the Wellington to rest for 5 minutes after baking.
2. Slice it into portions and drizzle with the garlic cheese sauce. Serve alongside the vegetable side dish.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

Beef Wellington is a dish that dates back to the 19th century, named after the Duke of Wellington. It has since become synonymous with celebratory meals and fine dining. This version, featuring ground beef and a decadent garlic cheese sauce, maintains the dish’s grandeur while making it more approachable for everyday cooking.

The puff pastry brings a satisfying crunch and buttery richness, contrasting beautifully with the tender, flavorful beef filling. Meanwhile, the garlic cheese sauce adds an indulgent touch, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility, as it can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fats: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 880mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the Wellington up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q2: What can I use instead of puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, phyllo dough can be a great substitute. You’ll need to layer several sheets and brush each with butter.

Q3: Can I freeze Beef Wellington?
Absolutely! Assemble the Wellington and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 45-50 minutes.

Q4: What other sauces pair well with this dish?
In addition to garlic cheese sauce, you can try a mushroom cream sauce or a classic red wine reduction.

Tips for Making the Perfect Beef Wellington

1. Chill the beef filling: This helps it maintain its shape during baking.
2. Use cold puff pastry: It’s easier to handle and will result in a flakier crust.
3. Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives the pastry a beautiful golden color.
4. Rest the Wellington after baking: This helps retain its juices and makes slicing easier.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Wellington in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked Wellington for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

This Puff Pastry Beef Wellington with Garlic Cheese Sauce is a dish that embodies elegance and comfort in equal measure. Its rich flavors and stunning presentation make it a standout choice for any gathering or special meal. At the same time, its ease of preparation ensures it’s accessible to all home cooks, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

The combination of the flaky, golden puff pastry and the savory, herb-infused beef filling is nothing short of divine. When paired with the velvety garlic cheese sauce, every bite becomes a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In the end, this recipe isn’t just about the food on the plate; it’s about the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. The timeless allure of Beef Wellington lies in its ability to turn any occasion into a celebration. Try this recipe, and let it become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.