Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This meat puff pastry recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe delivers incredible flavor and impressive presentation with minimal effort. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're feeding the family or hosting friends. Get ready to experience the delightful crunch of golden puff pastry filled with a savory, succulent meat mixture – a true testament to the power of simple, delicious homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Meat Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the beef broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assembling and Baking the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border.
- Carefully fold the pastry in half, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. This creates a beautiful golden-brown finish and adds a touch of richness.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing it from puffing up too much.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Let the puff pastry rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a touch of heat.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese over the meat filling before folding the pastry.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach into the meat mixture.
- Poultry option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This meat puff pastry recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!