Indulge in the flaky goodness of puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned minced meat and melted cheese. This recipe offers a delightful combination of savory and rich flavors, perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, chicken, or vegetarian substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- For the Pastry:
- 1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Stir the shredded cheese into the cooled meat mixture.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If using two sheets, you can either create two seperate smaller dishes, or combine them to make a larger one.
- Depending on the shape you want, you can cut the puff pastry into squares, rectangles, or use cookie cutters for shapes.
- Assemble the Puff Pastries:
- Place a spoonful of the minced meat and cheese filling in the center of each pastry square or shape.
- If you are making individual pastries, you can fold the pastry over to create triangles or rectangles, and seal the edges with a fork. If you are making a larger dish, simply spread the mixture over the pastry, and if desired, place another layer of puff pastry on top.
- Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
- Bake:
- Place the prepared pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta, Gruyère, or pepper jack, for unique flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top before serving.
- Sauces: Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
Enjoy your delicious Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat & Cheese!