Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is honestly a breeze to make. The flaky, buttery puff pastry pairs beautifully with the spiced ground beef filling, while the smooth, earthy hummus adds a unique layer of creaminess and depth. It’s perfect when you want something comforting but a little different from your weekday routine.

This recipe works wonderfully as a casual dinner, an impressive appetizer for guests, or even a delicious lunch the next day. I love how the pine nuts add a subtle crunch and that touch of freshness from parsley brightens everything up. You’ll find that once you try this Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe, it quickly becomes a go-to – it’s flavorful, satisfying, and has a great texture combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe plays a key role in flavor and texture. The puff pastry gives you that dreamy flaky crust, while the mellow hummus both enriches and adds moisture. Getting good-quality ground beef and fresh spices really pulls the filling together – plus, toasting pine nuts takes this from simple to something special.

• Puff Pastry: Look for all-butter varieties if you can – the flavor is unbeatable, and it puffs up beautifully.
• Egg: Used for brushing the pastry, it gives a lovely golden sheen and helps seal the edges.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness when cooking the beef and helps toast the pine nuts perfectly.
• Onion: Gives sweetness and depth once softened.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and a touch of punch to the beef mixture.
• Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 for juiciness without too much grease.
• Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Paprika): They layer in those warm, earthy notes that make the filling exciting.
• Hummus: Creamy and smooth, it balances the savory beef and adds a Mediterranean vibe.
• Pine Nuts: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and crunch – a simple upgrade.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and brightness right before serving.

Make It Your Way

I love encouraging people to make this recipe their own! Whether you want it spicier, vegetarian, or packed with different textures, there’s room to play. When I make it for casual dinners, I’ll sometimes add chopped roasted peppers to the filling or swap pine nuts for walnuts for a heartier crunch.

• Variation: When I’ve had guests who don’t eat beef, swapping the ground beef for spiced lentils works surprisingly well and keeps that rich texture.
• Spice Level: Feel free to add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like heat – I do this when I want a bit more kick.
• Herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro in place of parsley can refresh the whole dish and add a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Use a sharp knife to cut slits about half an inch from the edges, making a square frame but don’t cut through entirely – this helps the edges puff up while keeping the center flat. Poke the center a few times with a fork so it doesn’t balloon too much. Next, brush the entire sheet with a beaten egg to get that perfect golden crust. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and puffed – keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbrown.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Beef Filling

While the pastry bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes – this step brings out the sweetness of the onion perfectly. Toss in minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, and cook until nicely browned with no pink left. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper – these spices make a huge difference, trust me! Cook it all together for a few minutes until everything is well combined and aromatic.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish

Take your puffed pastry out of the oven and gently press down the center to create a slight well – this makes spreading your hummus and topping easier. Spread the hummus evenly inside the frame – it acts like a creamy barrier and adds amazing flavor. Spoon the warm, spiced beef filling over the hummus, then sprinkle toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley on top. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything for an extra glossy finish and richness. Slice into squares and serve warm for the best experience.

How to Serve Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

I always go with a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving because it adds such a bright, fresh contrast to the rich beef and hummus. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little sumac or a squeeze of fresh lemon to add a subtle tang that really wakes up the flavors. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top finishes it with a silky, luxurious feel.

Side Dishes

This puff pastry pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Sometimes I serve it alongside roasted vegetables or even a chilled cucumber yogurt sauce to keep the meal balanced. For casual gatherings, pickled vegetables or olives are a great match and keep things Mediterranean-inspired.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged this ground beef puff pastry in a big rectangular serving tray and cut it into neat bite-sized squares for easy fingers foods. You could also make mini puff pastry rounds with the same filling for a tapas-style spread. Another fun idea is to serve it family-style with multiple hummus flavors to scoop up alongside, turning it into a delightful shared experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate; they keep well for up to 3 days. The puff pastry softens slightly after refrigeration but reheating crisps it back up nicely. Just make sure you store the beef filling and pastry together to maintain that perfect balance of flavors.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe is absolutely doable. I freeze the assembled but unbaked puff pastry, then bake it fresh when needed. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. After baking, leftovers freeze well, too – but thaw and reheat in the oven to keep that flaky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven or toaster oven works best to revive crispiness – around 350°F for 10 minutes should do the trick. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the puff pastry soggy and less pleasant to eat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe is definitely one I find myself returning to time and again. It’s cozy and flavorful but also feels a little special for weekends or entertaining friends. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too—like me, you’ll appreciate the layers of texture and flavor in every bite.

Print