Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple dish to make, this Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a savory spiced ground beef filling and a smooth layer of creamy hummus—making every bite rich and layered with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, this becomes a go-to for easy gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner when you want something a little elevated.

I first stumbled onto this combo when craving something cozy but not overly heavy, and the addition of pine nuts gives such a subtle crunch and nutty depth that you’ll want to sprinkle them on everything. This Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe comes together quickly, but the flavors make it feel like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can make it ahead, which is a lifesaver for busy days.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together classic pantry ingredients that play nicely together. The spices infuse the ground beef with warm Middle Eastern notes, while the hummus adds creaminess and moisture—no need for extra sauce. When shopping, pick a good quality puff pastry and fresh pine nuts for the best flavor and texture.

• Puff pastry: Choose a thawed, high-quality sheet for flaky layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
• Egg: Beaten for an egg wash that gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth, enhancing savory flavors.
• Ground beef: Your main protein; I like lean to medium fat for flavor without excess grease.
• Ground cumin, coriander, paprika: These spices give the beef an earthy, smoky, slightly citrusy touch.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Hummus: Acts as a creamy base layer; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Pine nuts: Toasted for crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor contrast.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbaceous note and fresh color.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or how adventurous I’m feeling. Don’t hesitate to swap in different spices or add fresh herbs—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to customize. Plus, it’s perfect for adapting to dietary needs or whatever veggies you want to sneak in.

• Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the beef for a little extra warmth and complexity.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils with the same spices for a hearty meatless version.
• Cheese addition: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a tangy twist that complements the hummus nicely.
• Spicy kick: Add a bit of harissa or chili flakes if you want a touch of heat—I usually sprinkle some on for myself!

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

Step 1: Prepping the Puff Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut slits about half an inch from the edges, making a square frame but don’t cut all the way through—this helps the edges puff while the center stays flat. To avoid an overly puffed center, prick the center lightly with a fork all over. Then, brush the entire pastry with your beaten egg—this step is key for that golden, shiny finish. Bake it for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and puffed up.

Step 2: Cooking the Spiced Ground Beef Filling

While the pastry bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until softened — about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning. Now it’s time for the star of the filling: add your ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook it until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine everything nicely. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the spices can really infuse the meat.

Step 3: Assembling Your Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts

Once your puff pastry is out of the oven and slightly cooled, press the center down gently to create a shallow well. Spread the hummus evenly over the center area, giving a creamy, flavorful base. Spoon the warm spiced beef mixture right on top of that hummus layer. To finish, sprinkle your toasted pine nuts generously for crunch, scatter chopped fresh parsley for freshness, and drizzle a little olive oil on top. Slice into squares while still warm, and get ready to enjoy!

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

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it brightens up all those rich flavors wonderfully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a polished look and extra silkiness. If I’m feeling fancy, I toss on a few pomegranate arils for color and a hint of sweetness, which is a delightful surprise.

Side Dishes

This puff pastry is pretty hearty, so I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or maybe a side of roasted vegetables for an easy, balanced meal. When serving at a party, it also works beautifully with a plate of assorted olives and pickled vegetables for a Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes cut the pastry into bite-sized squares and serve them on a wooden board with toothpicks—instantly turning it into a fancy finger food. Another fun idea is to arrange slices in a layered pattern on a large platter with dollops of hummus in between bites for color and extra creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 2 days for best freshness. Because the pastry can lose some crispness, I recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave to bring back that flaky texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I usually assemble the puff pastry with the filling but before baking, then freeze it flat on a tray. Once frozen solid, I wrap it tightly in foil. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the puff pastry in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving when you can, as that tends to make the pastry soggy — and that’s no fun.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Puff Pastry with Hummus and Pine Nuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple enough for a weeknight but also elegant enough to impress friends. It’s one of those recipes where the flavors come together so perfectly that everyone keeps asking for seconds. I hope you give it a try and find yourself enjoying that flaky, spiced, creamy combo as much as I do—it’s truly a little bite of comfort with a twist. Happy cooking, friend!

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