Crispy Beef & Cheese Pastry Rolls 

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Ingredients Overview

The ingredients are simple, but the flavor comes from proper seasoning and technique.

🥙 Ingredients for the Filling

  • 500 g minced beef (halal-friendly)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

🧀 Ingredients for the Cheese Layer

  • 200 g mozzarella or melting cheese
  • 100 g cream cheese or soft cheese (optional but recommended)

🥟 Ingredients for Wrapping

  • Spring roll wrappers OR brick pastry (warqa) OR thin phyllo dough
  • 2 tablespoons flour + water (for sealing)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

🍳 Equipment Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Frying pot or deep pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

🔥 Preparing the Beef Filling

The filling must be rich, flavorful, and not watery.

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, and chili.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and water.
  7. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and well combined.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

⚠️ Cooling is essential to prevent soggy pastry.

🧀 Preparing the Cheese Mixture

  1. Grate mozzarella cheese.
  2. Mix with cream cheese if using.
  3. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.

The cheese melts beautifully and balances the spiced beef.

🥟 Assembling the Rolls

  1. Lay a pastry sheet on a clean surface.
  2. Place a spoonful of beef filling near one edge.
  3. Add a small amount of cheese on top of the beef.
  4. Fold the sides inward.
  5. Roll tightly into a cigar shape.
  6. Seal the edge with flour-water paste.

Repeat until all filling is used.

🔥 Frying the Rolls

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 170–180°C (350°F).
  2. Fry rolls in batches, seam-side down.
  3. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Remove with slotted spoon.
  5. Drain on paper towels.

The rolls should be crispy, golden, and bubbling slightly.

🔥 Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Baking

  • Brush rolls with oil
  • Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes
  • Flip halfway

Air Fryer

  • Spray lightly with oil
  • Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Garlic yogurt sauce
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Harissa
  • Ketchup or spicy mayo
  • Fresh salad

Perfect for iftar, parties, or tea time.

❄️ Storage & Freezing

Refrigeration

  • Store cooked rolls up to 3 days

Freezing

  • Freeze uncooked rolls
  • Fry or bake directly from frozen

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Moroccan-Style

  • Add ras el hanout
  • Use brick pastry
  • Serve with harissa

Cheesy Explosion

  • Add cheddar & mozzarella mix

Spicy Version

  • Add jalapeños
  • Extra chili powder

Chicken Version

  • Replace beef with minced chicken

⭐ Tips for Perfect Rolls

  • Always cool filling before wrapping
  • Don’t overfill
  • Keep wrappers covered with towel
  • Fry at correct oil temperature

❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

These beef & cheese rolls are:

  • Crispy and satisfying
  • Easy to prepare in advance
  • Budget-friendly
  • Loved by kids and adults
  • Ideal for gatherings

🥙 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for crispy, golden, savory rolls packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try. They’re perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal when paired with salad.

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