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A cheesy beef roll is just what you need when everyone’s relaxing and hungry. It’s easy to throw together, smells amazing in the oven, and everyone gets a crispy, tasty piece packed with gooey cheese. You probably have most of the stuff you need in your kitchen already. The whole thing feels like a treat.
The first time I made this was on a rainy afternoon. Now my crew asks for it every time we do a weekend movie night. You can get it set up ahead and it’s always a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: This buttery dough gets crisp on the outside and stays nice and tender inside. Grab the refrigerated kind for easier handling. Check the date so it’s fresh.
- Ground beef: The star of the show. It keeps everything juicy and flavor-packed. Always go for freshly-ground beef if you can.
- Shredded cheese: Cheesy goodness takes it over the top and melts perfectly. Try Gouda, Emmental, or cheddar. Grate it yourself for best flavor.
- Spices: Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for major flavor. Cracking black pepper gives it a little extra kick.
- Egg: Brush on top to make sure your roll bakes up shiny and golden-brown. The finish looks and tastes great.
- Fresh herbs: Toss in some parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Bell pepper or onions: Chop ‘em up for crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Chili flakes or jalapeños: Want it spicy? Add a shake or two here.
Detailed steps
- Baking:
- Turn your oven to two hundred degrees top bottom heat or one eighty with fan. Beat the egg and brush it over the whole roll so it bakes up shiny and golden. Lay the roll on a sheet pan lined with parchment. Bake for about twenty-five to thirty minutes until it’s crispy and deep gold.
- Shape it up:
- Lift one side of the pastry and roll it up carefully. Press those ends closed tight so nothing escapes. It should be snug and firm so it keeps its shape while baking.
- Layer it:
- Spread your cheese in an even layer over the pastry but leave the edge clear so you can close it later. Add your beef mixture on top and smooth it out. Leave a two centimeter border so your roll doesn’t leak.
- Prep the dough:
- Roll the puff pastry out and let it hang out a few minutes to soften. It won’t crack or tear as easily when it’s not ice-cold.
- Mix the filling:
- Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and any chopped herbs you want to your ground beef. Dice up some veggies and blend everything really well. Make sure every bite is seasoned evenly.
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Good to know
This one’s got lots of protein and fills you up. Make it your own with any veggies or plant-based swaps. Awesome for meal prep since it’s even better after a night in the fridge. My fave bit is cutting into it for the first time when the cheese is all melty and the gang rushes to the table. The combo of crisp pastry and cheese always makes me think of lazy Sundays with my mom—she’s been making this forever.
How to store it
Assemble this roll ahead of time if you want. Just chill the leftovers in the fridge for the next day. Warm it in the oven on medium and it’ll taste almost like you just made it. Cold slices make a killer snack too.
Easy swaps for ingredients
You can use mixed ground meat, ground chicken, or lamb if you want. For vegans or vegetarians, plant-based mince works just as great. Go bold on seasonings to make up for flavor. Vegan puff pastry is easy to find at most stores.
Serving ideas
Thick slices go great with a fresh green salad. For little ones, brush the pastry with ketchup or toss in some colorful peppers. Works at a picnic or brunch too.
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Story and meaning
Stuffed pastry rolls with meat are a classic around the world. Here, this beef and cheese version is a real comfort food fave. It’s easygoing, you can mix it up any way you want, and generations have loved it.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make this with no meat?
Sure thing! Just use plant-based ground instead, everything else stays the same.
- → What cheese melts best here?
Go with cheddar, gouda, or emmental if you want a cheesy punch.
- → Any tricks to keep my pastry crisp?
Let the pastry chill a bit before baking, and don't forget to brush with egg for that golden crunch.
- → Which spices taste awesome in the filling?
Try fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper for a nice mix of flavors.
- → How do I add more heat?
Mix in some chopped jalapeños or sprinkle on chili flakes to ramp up the spice.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
Yep! Roll it up and stash it in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when people show up.