Pirozhki with Beef

Pirozhki with Beef are traditional Russian hand pies filled with savoury meat. They are soft, golden and perfect for a quick snack or lunch. You can enjoy them warm or cold. This version uses a simple yeast dough and seasoned minced beef.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Pirozhki with Beef

Why you should cook pirozhki with beef

These Pirozhki with Beef are incredibly satisfying and easy to transport. Making them at home ensures the filling is fresh and seasoned exactly to your liking. They are much better than store bought versions because the bread is soft and airy. Kids and adults love these little meat parcels for any meal of the day.

Follow these simple steps for pirozhki with beef

Step 1
Prepare dough: Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and melted butter then stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for ten minutes until it feels smooth. Place it back in the bowl, cover it with a cloth and let it rise for one hour in a warm spot.
Step 2
Make filling: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Fry them until they are soft and then add the minced beef. Cook the meat until it is browned all the way through and season with salt and pepper. Let the beef mixture cool down completely before you start filling the dough.
Step 3
Shape pies: Divide the risen dough into twelve equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a circle and place a spoonful of meat in the centre. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them tightly together to seal. Place the Pirozhki with Beef on a baking tray with the seam facing down.
Step 4
Bake: Let the shaped pies rest for twenty minutes while you preheat the oven to 190C. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden colour. Bake for twenty five minutes until the bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Serve them while they are still warm for the best texture.

Extra tips for pirozhki with beef

Make sure the beef filling is completely cool before putting it on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can add chopped hard boiled eggs or herbs like dill to the Pirozhki with Beef for more flavour. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour one spoonful at a time. Do not overfill the pies or they might burst open during baking. You can store the finished pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their soft texture.

Using a high quality minced beef will result in a much juicier filling.

You can also try these recipes: pasta with tuna and olives, vegetarian risotto or tiramisu.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g plain flour
  • 7 g fast action yeast
  • 250 ml warm milk
  • 50 g melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 400 g minced beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 beaten egg

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2029 kJ / 485 kcal
  • Fat:18 g
  • - of which saturates:8 g
  • Carbohydrates:58 g
  • - of which sugars:4 g
  • Protein:22 g
  • Fibre:3 g
  • Salt:650 mg

People also ask

You should keep them in an airtight container in the fridge once they have cooled down. They will stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze Pirozhki with Beef for up to two months.
Yes, you can make the dough and the filling a day before you plan to bake them. Store the filling in the fridge and the dough can rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This makes Pirozhki with Beef a great option for meal prep.
This usually happens if the edges were not pinched together tightly enough. Make sure there is no oil or moisture from the beef on the edges of the dough before sealing. Pressing the seam down onto the baking tray also helps keep them closed.
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