Ground Beef Wellington (the humble version) is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration, no matter the occasion. It’s cozy yet elegant, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing your friends at a gathering. Using ground beef offers a delicious twist on the classic, keeping things budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Imagine the aroma of sautéed vegetables wafting in the air as you prepare this dish. Flaky puff pastry wraps around a savory filling, creating a meal that is both satisfying and, let’s be honest, a bit fancy! You don’t need to be a chef to make it; just a love for good food and a willingness to have fun in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some tasty memories with this approachable recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
Ground Beef Wellington is a delightful, approachable twist on the classic dish. By using ground beef instead of more expensive cuts, this humble version remains rich in flavor yet budget-friendly, making it a perfect option for weekday dinners or impressing guests at special gatherings. The combination of sautéed vegetables and herbs mixed with beef, all enveloped in flaky puff pastry, creates a meal that’s as satisfying as it is elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Wellington (the humble version)
This recipe is not just easy to prepare; it’s also incredibly versatile and packed with essential nutrients from the vegetables. The perfectly golden crust contrasts beautifully with the savory filling, offering a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can easily swap or adjust flavors based on your preference, ensuring this dish is tailored just for you.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stick, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 mushrooms, diced
- 4 sprigs of rosemary or thyme, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 pound ground beef (450g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 17 oz puff pastry (500g)
- Flour for rolling
- 1 beaten egg, for egg wash
Preparing the Vegetable Mixture
Sauté the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take the puff pastry out of the fridge to soften. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, potato, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the Mushrooms and Herbs
Stir in the diced mushrooms and minced rosemary or thyme, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are softened. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.
Mixing the Filling
Combine Beef and Peas
Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, add the ground beef and thawed peas. Season with salt and black pepper. Pour in half of the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Assembling the Wellington
Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. If using pre-rolled pastry, simply lay it out on a baking sheet.
Shape and Wrap the Beef Mixture
Shape the beef mixture into a log and place it in the center of the rolled-out pastry. Brush the edges with the reserved beaten egg to seal it. Roll the pastry over the filling, tucking in the ends to create a secure package that resembles a giant burrito.
Baking the Wellington
Prepare for Baking
Place the wrapped Beef Wellington seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top and sides generously with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ground Beef Wellington hot, paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Offer a side of gravy or a rich mustard for added flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly chilled before use for optimal flakiness.
- Let the vegetable mixture cool completely to avoid prematurely cooking the beef mixture before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or lamb for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate different herbs or additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Pairing Ideas
Enjoy your Ground Beef Wellington with a robust red wine, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing sparkling water with lime for a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the Wellington in advance. Bake it just before serving for the best texture.
2. What can I use instead of puff pastry?
You can use shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough, though the texture will differ.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftover Wellington tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
4. Can I freeze the Beef Wellington?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Wellington for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
5. What sides go well with Beef Wellington?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad complement the richness of the Wellington beautifully.
Serving this Ground Beef Wellington (the humble version) creates an opportunity for comfort and connection at the dinner table. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its wholesome ingredients and inviting flavors, it showcases how simplicity can lead to extraordinary moments in the kitchen.
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Ground Beef Wellington
Ground Beef Wellington is a comforting, budget-friendly take on the classic dish that combines savory ground beef with sautéed vegetables, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests!
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stick, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 mushrooms, diced
- 4 sprigs of rosemary or thyme, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 pound ground beef (450g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 17 oz puff pastry (500g)
- Flour for rolling
- 1 beaten egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Sauté onion, carrot, celery, potato, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Add mushrooms and herbs; cook until softened.
- Mix vegetable mixture with ground beef and peas, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Roll out puff pastry; place the beef mixture in the center.
- Seal pastry around the filling and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until golden brown; rest before slicing.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure puff pastry is chilled before use for the best texture.
Cool vegetable mixture to prevent cooking the beef mixture prematurely.
Use a meat thermometer to check beef doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 85
