“My neighbor old lady made this once and I couldn’t stop eating it. I was out of control. If I make it, it will be gone in no time, so I don’t dare. There is just something so good about this!”
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Savory Meat Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat, fold in the fresh chopped parsley, and allow the filling to cool slightly. 🥩🌿
- Prep & Cut the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 📄
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into 3 equal rectangles (giving you 6 large pastry bottoms and 6 tops, or fold individual squares over).
- Stuff & Seal:
- Spoon a generous portion of cooled ground beef filling into the center of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Top the beef mixture with a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. 🧀
- Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Place a top pastry square over the filling (or fold the pastry over to form a square pocket).
- Press the edges together firmly to seal the cheese and meat inside.
- Brush for Golden Shine:
- Arrange the assembled pockets on your prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops generously with the egg wash to give them a glossy, golden-brown finish while baking. 🖌️✨
- Bake to Bubbly & Crispy:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the puff pastry is fully puffed, crispy, and deep golden brown. ⏲️🔥
- Serve Warm:
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes so the melted cheese sets slightly, then slice open and enjoy every warm, cheesy, flaky bite! 😋🥐
