Mini Beef Wellington

Ingredients:

• For the Bites:

  • ½ lb ground beef

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

  • 1 shallot, minced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Olive oil, for sautéing

• For the Dijon Crème Fraîche:

  • ½ cup crème fraîche (or sour cream)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Filling: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced shallot and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Dijon mustard and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Assemble the Bites: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 3-inch squares (you should get about 12). Spoon a tablespoon of the cooled beef mixture into the center of each square.

3. Wrap it Up: Fold the puff pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square, depending on your preference. Press the edges to seal, and then brush the tops with a lightly beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

4. Bake the Bites: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the pastry-wrapped beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

5. Make the Crème Fraîche: While the bites are baking, whisk together the crème fraîche and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Mini Beef Wellington Bites and serve with a generous dollop of the Dijon crème fraîche on the side. They’re perfect as a savory snack, appetizer, or even a light main course!

Pro Tips:

• Plating Hack: Stack 2–3 bites vertically with a dollop of Dijon crème fraîche on the side.

• Pâté Twist: For an extra touch of indulgence, try adding a small spoonful of pâté to the beef mixture before wrapping it in the pastry. This adds depth of flavor and elevates the dish even further!

• Mini Size, Big Flavor: These bites are designed to be small, but the flavors are mighty. They’re perfect for serving at parties or holiday gatherings.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and even assemble the bites ahead of time. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Why This Recipe Works:
Mini Beef Wellington Bites are the perfect balance of indulgent and approachable. The crispy, golden puff pastry wraps around a savory, tender beef filling, while the Dijon crème fraîche adds the perfect tangy finish. They’re fun to eat, full of flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, these little bites will make you feel like a gourmet chef without the complicated steps. It’s all the elegance of Beef Wellington with a whole lot less fuss!