Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 400 grams of ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon ground dried garlic
• 70 grams of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried dill

For the Sautéed Vegetables:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated or finely diced
• 100 grams of mushrooms, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 50 grams of butter

For the Puff Pastry:

• 450 grams puff pastry (without yeast), thawed if frozen
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 100 grams of cheese (preferably cheddar or mozzarella), shredded
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• A pinch of salt and ground black pepper

Optional Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600 kcal

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, two eggs, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, dried garlic, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and dried dill. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
   • Set aside to let the flavors meld as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 50 grams of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheese with mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside for later.
4. Assemble the Puff Pastry Pockets:
   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares, about 12 cm by 12 cm each. You should have about 8 squares.
   • In each square, place a heaping tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center. Top with a spoonful of the sautéed vegetable mixture, followed by a small amount of the cheese mixture.
   • Fold each square in half diagonally to form a triangle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Pastry Pockets:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the assembled pastry pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
6. Prepare the Sauce (Optional):
   • While the pastries are baking, mix mayonnaise, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside as a dipping sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with the optional dipping sauce.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Beef Wellington has been a classic in British cuisine since the 19th century, known for its richness, elegance, and intricate preparation. This recipe, while simpler and more approachable, carries forward the essence of Wellington: tender, flavorful beef, savory fillings, and flaky pastry. These mini Beef Wellington pockets bring a level of sophistication to the dinner table without the need for elaborate techniques, making it a timeless recipe that balances luxury with practicality. It’s the perfect example of a recipe that takes beloved, traditional elements and reimagines them for the modern home cook.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Vitamin A: 35% DV
• Vitamin C: 10% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 25% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable fillings up to one day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the pockets and bake just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, while puff pastry gives a beautiful, flaky finish, you could substitute it with pie crust or phyllo dough for different textures.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for added variety and flavor.

4. What cheese works best?
Cheddar or mozzarella are ideal, as they melt well and add a nice creaminess to the filling. Feel free to experiment with other types like Gruyere or Parmesan.

Tips for Making the Best Puff Pastry Pockets

• Keep the Pastry Cold: Cold puff pastry holds its shape better when baked, resulting in a crispier texture. Keep it chilled as long as possible before assembling.
• Seal Properly: Use a fork to press down on the edges, preventing any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to add too much filling, as it can cause the pastry to burst open.
• Use Fresh Garlic: While dried garlic works for the meat mixture, fresh garlic in the vegetable filling enhances the aroma and flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover puff pastry pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes for a crisp texture.

Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pockets by arranging them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Beef Wellington-Style Puff Pastry Pockets are a delightful nod to a classic, with all the rich flavors you expect from a fine dining experience but made accessible for any home cook. The perfectly seasoned ground beef, herb-infused vegetable mix, and creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry, make each bite irresistible. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are easily accessible, and the result is a dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy evening meal with family.

From the savory filling to the crisp, golden exterior, these pastry pockets offer a taste experience that feels both elegant and comforting. They are perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners and offer an ideal balance of indulgence and simplicity. Each pocket is like a mini masterpiece that combines flavors and textures in perfect harmony, making this recipe a true keeper for generations to come.

So, get ready to bring a piece of culinary history to your table with these easy-to-make Beef Wellington-Style Puff Pastry Pockets. Share them, savor them, and let this delicious recipe create lasting memories!