Name: Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta: A Flavorful, Savory Snack
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 25 ml olive oil; 140 g yellow onion (chopped); 350 g ground beef; 10 g fresh parsley (chopped); 4 g salt; 3 g cumin powder; 3 g garlic powder; 3 g cayenne powder; 2 g black pepper; 1 g Italian seasoning; 30 g tomato paste; 75 ml water; 250 g ricotta; 10 g fresh chives (chopped); 1 g black pepper; 540 g fresh puff pastry; Grated cheese (for sprinkling); 1 egg (for egg wash); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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These Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta are perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to parties and gatherings. With a delicious combination of spiced ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a crispy, golden puff pastry shell, these savory bites are sure to impress. Finished off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and grated cheese, these bites are as flavorful as they are irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly spiced filling: The ground beef mixture is seasoned with aromatic cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for a savory kick.
Creamy ricotta: The ricotta mixture adds a creamy, mild contrast to the flavorful beef.
Golden, flaky pastry: The puff pastry gives a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying tender and flaky on the inside.
Cheesy topping: A sprinkling of grated cheese melts beautifully, adding richness and depth to each bite.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and substitute different cheeses or herbs as desired.

Ingredients (Makes 24 Bites)

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

25 ml olive oil
140 g yellow onion (chopped)
350 g ground beef
10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
4 g salt
3 g cumin powder
3 g garlic powder
3 g cayenne powder
2 g black pepper
1 g Italian seasoning
30 g tomato paste
75 ml water

For the Ricotta Mixture:

250 g ricotta
10 g fresh chives (chopped)
1 g black pepper

For the Dough:

540 g fresh puff pastry

Extra:

Grated cheese (for sprinkling)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tips for Success

Cool the meat filling: Let the meat mixture cool completely before using it, as warm filling will make the puff pastry soggy.
Work on a cool surface: To prevent puff pastry from softening too quickly, work on a cool surface.
Customize the cheese: You can use mozzarella for a stretchier texture or a sharper cheese like cheddar for more flavor.
Make ahead: You can store unbaked puff pastry bites in the fridge and brush with egg just before baking.
Freezing: Unbaked puff pastry bites can be frozen, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef, fresh parsley, salt, cumin powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Stir in tomato paste and water, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta, fresh chives, and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Pastry Bites

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut each sheet in half (adjust based on the size of your puff pastry).
Spread a line of ricotta mixture lengthwise over the pastry.
Spoon a portion of the ground beef mixture on top of the ricotta, and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Roll the pastry tightly, from both sides toward the center.
Slice the rolls into desired pieces.

4. Prepare for Baking

Place the filled puff pastry bites on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Brush each bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

5. Bake the Puff Pastries

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve

Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!

Storage

Store any leftover puff pastry bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them and reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQ: Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. Adjust the seasonings to suit the flavor of the meat you choose.

2. Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I prepare these puff pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry bites ahead of time. Place them on the baking tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.

4. What kind of cheese should I use?

You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. If you want a sharper flavor, try using a hard cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère.

5. Can I freeze these puff pastries?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked puff pastry bites. After assembling, place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and bake them directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

6. How do I know when the pastries are done?

The pastries are done when the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. If you tap on the bottom, it should sound hollow, indicating that the inside is cooked through.

7. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s chilled before working with it to maintain the flakiness.

8. What can I serve these pastries with?

These puff pastries pair well with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, marinara, or even a simple yogurt-based dip. They also make a great side for a fresh salad or a hearty soup.

Conclusion

These Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with their crispy, flaky exterior and deliciously spiced filling. The creamy ricotta and savory beef pair perfectly, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something savory, these bite-sized pastries are sure to impress!

Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta: A Flavorful, Savory Snack

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Author: Maggie
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: undefined

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Description

These Puff Pastries with Ground Beef and Ricotta are savory, bite-sized treats with a spiced beef filling, creamy ricotta, and a golden, flaky puff pastry shell. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty snack, these pastries are sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, fresh parsley, salt, cumin powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat. Stir in tomato paste and water, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, fresh chives, and black pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Pastry Bites: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut each sheet in half. Spread a line of ricotta mixture on the pastry. Spoon ground beef mixture on top, sprinkle with grated cheese. Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
Prepare for Baking: Place the puff pastry bites on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake the Puff Pastries: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International