Cheesy Ground Beef Roll (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Ground beef
02 - Puff pastry sheet
03 - Grated cheese
04 - Beaten egg
05 - Salt
06 - Black pepper
07 - Paprika powder
08 - Fresh chopped herbs
09 - Finely diced onion
10 - Finely diced bell pepper
11 - Chili flakes
12 - Diced jalapeños

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, paprika powder, fresh herbs, and the optional diced onion and bell pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
03 - Gently unroll the chilled puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to become more pliable.
04 - Distribute the grated cheese evenly over the puff pastry, ensuring a 2 cm border remains clear around the edges.
05 - Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture uniformly over the cheese layer, maintaining the 2 cm border from the pastry edges.
06 - Carefully roll up the puff pastry from one of the long sides to create a log. Pinch the ends firmly to seal the filling within.
07 - Brush the entire surface of the pastry roll with the beaten egg to achieve a golden-brown finish during baking.
08 - Transfer the prepared roll to the lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is fully cooked.
09 - Allow the baked roll to cool slightly before slicing it into portions and serving.

# Notes:

01 - For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat.
02 - Vary the cheese type with options like mozzarella, Gruyere, or spicy pepper jack.
03 - Enhance the spice level by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
04 - Integrate a variety of fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary for additional aroma.
05 - This dish can be prepped in advance; refrigerate the assembled roll and extend baking time by 5-10 minutes when cooking from cold.
06 - To create a vegan version, utilize vegan puff pastry and plant-based cheese substitutes.
07 - Suggested accompaniments include a fresh side salad, ketchup, or a preferred dipping sauce.
08 - For enhanced crispness, chill the egg-washed pastry roll for 15 minutes before baking.
09 - Avoid a soggy pastry by ensuring the beef mixture is not excessively moist prior to assembly.