A savory, elegant dish, Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus combines flaky golden pastry with creamy hummus, spiced beef, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Perfect as a show-stopping appetizer or a light main course, this Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and sophistication. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the process simple, while the rich blend of spiced ground beef and creamy hummus delivers bold, satisfying flavors. It’s an impressive dish for entertaining guests or elevating a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound ground beef
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon ground coriander
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup hummus
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2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the thawed puff pastry on the baking sheet. Cut slits about ½ inch from the edges to form a square frame, without cutting all the way through. Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.
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Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
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While the pastry bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Remove pastry from the oven and gently press down the center to flatten.
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Spread the hummus evenly inside the pastry frame.
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Spoon the beef mixture over the hummus.
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Top with toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
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Slice into squares and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories per serving: 420 kcal
Variations
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Lamb instead of beef: Swap the ground beef for ground lamb for a more traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
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Vegetarian version: Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or spiced chickpeas instead of ground meat.
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Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
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Cheesy option: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella over the beef before serving.
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Mini tarts: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and assemble individual servings for bite-sized appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the puff pastry to cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
Pricking the center with a fork and pre-baking it helps prevent sogginess. Also, make sure the beef mixture isn’t overly greasy before placing it on the pastry.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and pre-bake the pastry a few hours ahead. Assemble and reheat just before serving for best results.
What kind of hummus should I use?
Classic plain hummus works well, but feel free to use flavored varieties like roasted garlic or red pepper for a twist.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked ground beef separately. Puff pastry doesn’t retain its texture well after freezing once baked.
What other toppings can I use?
Try pomegranate seeds, tahini drizzle, or a sprinkle of za’atar for extra flavor and color.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mildly spiced with warm, aromatic flavors. You can add chili if you want more heat.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely. If you have the time and skills, homemade puff pastry will elevate the dish even more.
How do I toast pine nuts?
Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.
Can I substitute pine nuts?
Yes, slivered almonds or chopped pistachios are great alternatives.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild spices and flaky pastry are generally appealing to kids, but you can adjust seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus is a flavorful, eye-catching dish that brings together rich textures and bold Middle Eastern flavors in a simple, approachable way. Whether you serve it as an appetizer for a gathering or a light main course, it’s sure to impress. Versatile, easy to customize, and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.
Print
Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Flaky puff pastry topped with creamy hummus, spiced ground beef, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley for a savory and elegant appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup hummus
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place puff pastry on the baking sheet. Cut slits about ½ inch from the edges to form a square frame, without cutting all the way through. Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake Pastry: Brush pastry with beaten egg and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Cook Beef: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble: Gently press down the center of the baked pastry. Spread hummus evenly inside the frame. Spoon beef mixture over the hummus.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade hummus depending on preference.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with Aleppo pepper or chili flakes.
- You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg