Description
Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Rolls
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
½ lb ground beef
½ cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 egg (for egg wash)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread the beef mixture evenly, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Roll the pastry tightly into a log and seal the edges. Slice into equal portions and place on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ½ lb ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup marinara sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Roll: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled beef mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef.
3. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log, using the parchment paper to help guide you. Pinch the final seam to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into 8-10 equal pieces.
4. Bake: Place the rolls cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each roll generously. Sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18-20 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and puffed.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as a hearty appetizer with a side of extra marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. They also make a fantastic, crowd-pleasing addition to game-day spreads or potluck dinners.
How-to Summary
Thaw pastry. Brown beef, mix with sauce and seasonings, then cool. Roll out pastry, spread beef and cheese, roll into a log, and slice. Brush with egg wash, top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls, slice them, and place them on the baking sheet. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and add toppings just before baking.
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. Ground Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken are excellent substitutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
My pastry didn’t puff much. What happened? The pastry may have been over-handled, warming the butter. Ensure all components are cool before assembling, and use a sharp knife to slice to avoid compressing the layers.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for best texture; the microwave will make them soggy.
Can I freeze unbaked rolls? Yes. After slicing, freeze them on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a warm beef filling, which melts the pastry butter and prevents a proper puff.
- Overfilling the pastry, causing leaks and a messy bake.
- Not sealing the final seam of the pastry log, leading to unrolling in the oven.
- Using a dull knife to slice, which squashes the pastry layers.
- Under-baking; wait for a deep, golden-brown color for the flakiest result.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Rolls are the perfect combination of simplicity and impressive flavor. With a flaky, buttery crust enveloping a savory, cheesy beef filling, they are guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and master this delicious recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!