If you love the classic flavors of Greek spanakopita but want something a bit more substantial, high-protein, and comforting, these Meat and Spinach Puff Pastry Rolls are exactly what you need.
Flaky, golden puff pastry is loaded with a rich filling of seasoned ground beef, vibrant squeezed spinach, fresh dill, green onions, and sharp crumbled feta cheese. Slicing them into rolls before baking creates beautiful, individually portioned pastries with an incredible crunch. Dip them into a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup for the ultimate cozy comfort meal.
Prep time, Cook time, Servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 large pastry rolls
Ingredients
The Filling & Pastry
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
½ lb (225g) lean ground beef * 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed
3 green onions, finely chopped
A small bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 egg (beaten, for the egg wash)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Seasonings: cumin, Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
1 bowl of warm tomato soup (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and transfer the meat to a mixing bowl to cool slightly.
2. Squeeze the Spinach
Place the thawed spinach into a clean cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible until the spinach is completely dry. This step is crucial to prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy.
3. Mix the Filling
Add the dried spinach, chopped green onions, fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the cooked ground beef. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Assemble and Roll
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a clean cutting board into a large rectangle. Spoon the meat and spinach mixture evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border at the edges. Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a long log.
5. Slice and Brush
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 6 equal sections. Place the rolls cut-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle a layer of sesame seeds over each one.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, crisp, and beautifully golden brown on top.
7. Serve and Dip
Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. Serve hot on a platter alongside a warm bowl of smooth tomato soup for dipping. Dig in!