Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these delightful puff pastry meat pies! This recipe offers a fantastic blend of savory meat filling encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying weekend lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – a true win-win!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the parsley (if using).
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Assemble the Pies: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly, if needed. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
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Fill and Bake: Spoon the meat filling evenly onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little beaten egg or milk for a glossy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the pies cool slightly before serving. These delicious meat pies are wonderful on their own or served with a side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the filling: Overcooked ground meat can become dry. Aim for a tender, juicy filling.
- Use high-quality puff pastry: The better the pastry, the better the result.
- Seal the edges well: This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preference. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra depth of flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Meat Pies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Chicken or Turkey Pies: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Pies: Replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This recipe for puff pastry meat pies is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. The ease of preparation and the delicious results make it a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!