Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets: A Deliciously Easy Snack or Meal
If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make snack or meal, look no further than these Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets. Filled with seasoned ground meat, veggies, and wrapped in crispy puff pastry, these pockets are an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you need a savory appetizer for a party or a quick lunch, this recipe is a perfect solution.
Ingredients for Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets
To make these puff pastry pockets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey: Ground meat is the star of the filling. You can use either beef or turkey, depending on your preference. Turkey is leaner, while beef gives a richer flavor.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a savory base and natural sweetness to the filling.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides depth of flavor and a savory kick.
1 carrot, finely grated: Adds a slight sweetness and a touch of color to the filling.
1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Celery adds a nice crunch and mild flavor that balances the other vegetables.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings a fragrant, earthy taste to the filling.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm, herbaceous note that complements the savory ingredients.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color to the filling.
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade): The golden, flaky puff pastry is the perfect wrapper for the savory meat and vegetable filling.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This will give the pockets a golden, shiny finish when baked.
How to Make Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground meat (beef or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the excess fat from the pan if necessary.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. This mixture forms the base of your savory filling.
Season the mixture with oregano, thyme, and paprika, and stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
While the filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, you’ll find it usually comes in square or rectangular sheets. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into squares, typically about 4×4 inches in size. You can adjust the size depending on how large or small you want your pockets.
Step 3: Fill the Pockets
Spoon a generous amount of the cooled meat mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Be sure not to overfill, as this could cause the pastry to burst open during baking.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Carefully fold the puff pastry squares over the filling to create a triangle or rectangular pocket, depending on the shape of your initial cuts. Press the edges together to seal the pockets. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, which not only seals the pockets but also gives them a decorative touch.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
For a beautiful, golden finish, brush the top of each pocket with a beaten egg. This will help the puff pastry develop a lovely golden crust when it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Pockets
Transfer the filled and sealed pockets to your prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s enough space between each pocket to allow the puff pastry to puff up evenly. Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the puff pastry pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets
- Use High-Quality Puff Pastry: While store-bought puff pastry works perfectly fine for this recipe, be sure to use a good-quality one for the best results. Frozen puff pastry is typically available at most grocery stores, and many of them are made with butter for extra flakiness.
- Experiment with Fillings: You can swap out the ground meat for chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms, spinach, or lentils. Be creative with your flavors!
- Freezing Option: If you have leftovers or want to make these pockets ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Simply assemble and freeze the pockets before baking. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Make Them Mini: These puff pastry pockets can also be made smaller for appetizers. Just cut the pastry into smaller squares and use a teaspoon of filling.
Serving Suggestions
Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets are versatile and can be served in various ways. Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing for a satisfying snack or appetizer. Pair them with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Ground Meat Puff Pastry Pockets are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, savory filling wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a lunch, or for a snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with different ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, flaky, and crispy goodness in every bite!