Oven-baked pastry stuffed with pot roast

🥟 Oven-Baked Meat Pastels – The Perfect Snack or Appetizer!

These oven-baked meat pastels are a delicious, hearty treat, perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer at your next gathering. Filled with tender, slow-cooked beef and seasoned to perfection, these pastries offer a delightful contrast of crispy dough and savory filling.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 60g butter
• ¼ cup water
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 500g beef (preferably a cut for slow-cooking, like chuck)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 can (400g) peeled tomatoes with juice
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil for searing

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the Filling:

1. Sear the Beef:
   Heat a pressure cooker over high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and sear chunks of beef until browned on all sides. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
2. Add Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the chopped carrot, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Pour in the red wine and stir well to combine. Let the wine cook off, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Add Tomatoes:
   Stir in the peeled tomatoes with their juices, along with Worcestershire sauce. Close the pressure cooker and cook for 25 minutes after it reaches pressure.
5. Finish the Filling:
   After the cooking time, remove the pot from the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Shred the beef, season with additional salt if needed, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Making the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter, and using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Form the Dough:
   Gradually add water, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough until it is elastic and soft.
3. Chill the Dough:
   Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it rest and firm up.

Assembling the Pastels:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 200ºC (392ºF). On a lightly floured surface, roll out small portions of dough into discs, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
2. Fill and Shape:
   Place a spoonful of the shredded beef filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges tightly to prevent leakage.
3. Bake the Pastels:
   Arrange the pastels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

💡 Tips for Success

• Perfectly Tender Beef: Ensure that you use a slow-cooking beef cut like chuck or brisket for the best tenderness and flavor. The pressure cooker helps break down the meat into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
• Make-Ahead Option: These pastels can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later. Just bake when you’re ready to serve!
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as ground meat, vegetables, or cheese. The dough is versatile and pairs well with various ingredients.

✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oven-baked meat pastels are a perfect blend of crispy texture and flavorful, tender beef filling. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, party, or as a savory snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare, customizable, and satisfying, they are a must-try for anyone who loves homemade comfort food.