Indulge in the guilt-free decadence of our Heart-Healthy Beef Pastry, a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a medley of vibrant vegetables—carrots, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes—infused with aromatic oregano, thyme, and garlic for a burst of flavor. Wrapped in crispy whole wheat filo pastry and lightly glazed with egg whites, these golden parcels are beautifully baked to perfection. With olive oil and low-sodium beef broth enhancing the heart-healthy profile, this dish offers a wholesome option without compromising on taste. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, it’s a delightful way to balance health and flavor while impressing your guests. Garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of color and freshness!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the grated carrot and zucchini, mixing well with the beef.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the mixture, followed by the low-sodium beef broth, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
Simmer the mixture until most of the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Take a sheet of whole wheat filo pastry and place it on a clean, flat surface. Cover the remaining filo sheets with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Lightly brush the filo sheet with egg white. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture on one end of the sheet.
Fold the sides inwards and then roll the pastry over the filling to form a parcel.
Repeat this process with the remaining beef mixture and filo sheets.
Place the pastry parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops lightly with egg white for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filo pastry is crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
1169 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.0 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 155 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 801 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.8 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.1 g | ||
| Protein | 76.2 g | 152% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 184 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1737 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.