Minced Beef Wellington Recipe
Minced Beef Wellington is a classic dish that combines tender minced beef with savory mushrooms and onions, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this elegant and delicious dish that’s perfect for special occasions or Sunday dinners.
1. Introduction to Minced Beef Wellington
Minced Beef Wellington is a variation of the traditional Beef Wellington, which typically features a whole beef tenderloin. This version uses minced beef, making it more budget-friendly while still delivering the same rich flavors and impressive presentation. The combination of seasoned beef, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all encased in buttery puff pastry, creates a dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Minced Beef Wellington, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground Beef (preferably lean)
Puff Pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Mushrooms (such as cremini or button)
Onions
Garlic
Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Egg Wash (for brushing pastry)
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by sautéing diced mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic in a skillet until softened and caramelized. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice, then cook it in the same skillet until browned and cooked through. Roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, ready to encase the beef filling.
4. Assembling the Beef Wellington
Layer the sautéed mushrooms and onions on top of the puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon the seasoned ground beef on top of the mushroom mixture, spreading it out evenly. Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the beef filling, sealing the seams and creating a neat parcel.
5. Baking Instructions
Transfer the assembled Beef Wellington onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the pastry with egg wash for a golden finish, then bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness. Allow the Beef Wellington to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve Minced Beef Wellington hot, sliced into thick portions, alongside your favorite side dishes. Traditional accompaniments include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with a rich sauce, such as mushroom gravy or peppercorn sauce, for added flavor.
7. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can use a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables as a filling instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with different meat fillings, such as minced lamb, pork, or chicken, for unique flavor combinations.
8. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Minced Beef Wellington turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Make sure to properly seal the edges of the puff pastry to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Allow the Beef Wellington to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to redistribute and the pastry to set.
- Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the beef filling and the desired level of doneness.
9. Health Benefits of Minced Beef Wellington
While Minced Beef Wellington is a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Lean ground beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, while mushrooms and onions provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, using puff pastry sparingly keeps the dish relatively low in carbohydrates.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, Minced Beef Wellington is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing your family and guests. With its flavorful beef filling, savory mushroom and onion mixture, and flaky puff pastry crust, it’s sure to become a new favorite for special occasions or Sunday dinners. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy family meal, Minced Beef Wellington is guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.
Source: tastykitchen.com
Minced Beef Wellington Recipe
Minced Beef Wellington is a classic dish that combines tender minced beef with savory mushrooms and onions, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. In this article, we'll explore how to make this elegant and delicious dish that's perfect for special occasions or Sunday dinners.
- 1 whole Medium Onion
- 1 whole Carrot
- 1 stalk Celery
- 1 whole Medium Sized Potato
- 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (Leaves Picked And Chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 pound (1-⅔ ounces, weight Good Quality Minced Beef)
- 1 teaspoon Salt And Pepper (Each)
- 1 whole Large Egg (Lightly Beaten)
- 1 pound (1-⅔ ounces, weight Puff Pastry)
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Peel then chop the onion, carrot and potato into one centimeter cubes. Also chop celery into one centimeter cubes.
- Place all vegetables and rosemary leaves into a frying pan with olive oil. Over medium heat, fry and stir for about 8 minutes or until vegetables soften and color. Add the garlic in the last minute.
- Put vegetables into large bowl and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Add the minced beef into the bowl the vegetables. Add salt and pepper and half the beaten egg. Scrunch and mix together.
- Roll out pastry to the size of a small tea towel. Place the mince mix along one long side, in a sausage shape. Brush edges of the pastry with egg and roll pastry to cover the mince completely. Squeeze ends together.
- Put the roll onto a baking tray and brush with remaining egg. Bake for an hour until golden. Slice and serve with gravy.
- Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s cookbook “Ministry of Food”.