Delightful Mini Beef and Tomato Pastry Rounds

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Delightful Mini Beef and Tomato Pastry Rounds

The Heartwarming Story Behind the Dish

Every family has those special recipes that become cherished traditions, and these Mini Beef and Tomato Pastry Rounds are exactly that kind of culinary treasure. A perfect blend of flaky pastry, savory beef, and bright tomatoes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that brings families together. Each bite tells a story of love, comfort, and the joy of home cooking.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

  • Ground beef: 200 g (7 oz)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried garlic: 1 tsp
  • Paprika: 1 tsp
  • Oregano: 1 tsp
  • Tomato sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh dill: 1 bunch, chopped
  • Red pepper: 1/2, finely chopped
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Carrot: 1, grated

For the Pastry

  • Yeast puff pastry: 450 g (1 lb)
  • Cheese: 250 g (8.8 oz), grated
    • 150 g for filling
    • 100 g for topping
  • Cherry tomatoes: 200 g (7 oz), sliced

For the Sauce

  • Tomato sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 1 clove, grated
  • Fresh dill: Chopped

Cooking Ingredients

  • Olive oil: For cooking
  • Butter: 50 g (3.5 tbsp)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
    • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, dried garlic, paprika, and oregano
    • Add tomato sauce and mix thoroughly
    • Fold in chopped fresh dill
  2. Sauté the Vegetables
    • Heat olive oil and butter in a pan
    • Sauté red pepper for 2 minutes
    • Add chopped onions, cook for 2-3 minutes
    • Add grated carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes
    • Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
    • Set aside in a separate bowl
  3. Cook the Meat
    • In the same pan, add olive oil
    • Brown the seasoned meat for 2-3 minutes
    • Transfer to a bowl
    • Mix with sautéed vegetables
  4. Assemble the Pastry Rounds
    • Roll out puff pastry
    • Trim the edges
    • Spread meat and vegetable mixture evenly
    • Sprinkle 150 g of grated cheese
    • Roll into a large log
    • Cut into 2 cm thick slices
  5. Baking
    • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
    • Line baking tray with parchment paper
    • Place pastry rounds on the tray
    • Top with sliced cherry tomatoes
    • Sprinkle remaining 100 g of cheese
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown
  6. Prepare the Sauce
    • Mix tomato sauce and mayonnaise
    • Grate garlic
    • Add chopped dill
    • Stir until well combined

Nutritional Insights

Per Serving (Approximate):

  • Calories: 280-320
  • Protein: 14-16g
  • Carbohydrates: 18-22g
  • Fat: 16-20g

Preparation Time: 35 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 60-65 minutes Servings: 6-8

Nutritional Powerhouses in This Recipe

  • Ground Beef: Supports skin, nails, connective tissue, and cartilage
  • Dill: Rich in potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and phosphorus
  • Red Pepper: Excellent for cardiovascular health
  • Onions: Helps regulate fluid balance and improve bone health

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality puff pastry for best results
  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender
  • Let the rounds cool for 5-10 minutes before serving
  • The sauce can be prepared while the pastry rounds are baking

Variations and Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry
  • Cheese Variations:
    • Mozzarella
    • Cheddar
    • Gouda
  • Spice Alternatives:
    • Add chili flakes for heat
    • Use fresh herbs instead of dried

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare these in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the rounds and refrigerate before baking.

Q2: How should I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven.

Q3: Can I freeze these pastry rounds? A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rounds, then bake directly from frozen.

Q4: What if I don’t have puff pastry? A: Try using phyllo or shortcrust pastry as alternatives.

Q5: Can I make these dairy-free? A: Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 2-3 days
  • Freezing:
    • Unbaked rounds: Up to 1 month
    • Baked rounds: Up to 2 weeks
  • Reheating:
    • Oven: 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes
    • Avoid microwave to maintain pastry crispiness

Enjoy your homemade Mini Beef and Tomato Pastry Rounds – a delightful treat that brings warmth and flavor to your table!

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