Baked Beef Samsa Recipe with Onion and Cumin

Central Asian-inspired baked pastries with handmade dough and a cumin-seasoned beef filling.

Total 1 hr 25 minMakes About 12 samsa
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The source gives a basic dough of flour, water, oil and salt, then presents either a meat or chicken filling. This card follows the first meat version, choosing beef so every ingredient and doneness cue applies to the same pastry. Knead the dough until it is smooth and give it a 30-minute rest so rolling is easy. Mix minced beef with chopped onion, herbs and cumin, and divide it evenly among thin dough rounds. Pinch each into a tight triangle; open seams let juices escape and dry the filling. Bake at 200°C until golden and check the filling in a larger piece with a thermometer. Serve hot with a simple yogurt sauce.

Recipe card

Baked Beef Samsa Recipe with Onion and Cumin

Prep 55 minCook 30 minTotal 1 hr 25 minYield About 12 samsa

Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking tray, food thermometer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Knead

    Mix flour, water, 50 ml oil and salt into a smooth dough; cover and rest 30 minutes.

  2. Make filling

    Mix beef, chopped onion, herbs, pepper and cumin; keep chilled.

  3. Shape

    Divide dough, roll thin circles, add small even portions of beef and seal as triangles.

  4. Bake

    Place seam side up on lightly oiled tray, brush with optional egg and bake at 200°C about 25–35 minutes until golden and beef centers reach 71°C (160°F).

  5. Serve

    Rest a few minutes and serve hot.

How to tell when it is ready

Pastry golden and ground-beef filling reaches 71°C (160°F).

Tips

  • Rest dough before rolling.
  • Cut onions finely so filling cooks evenly.
  • Seal edges firmly.
  • Check the center of a large pastry.

Serving suggestions

  • Offer with yogurt sauce.
  • Add cucumber slices.
  • Serve beside tomato salad.
  • Pair with hot black tea.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked pastries up to 2 days or freeze.

Food safety

Keep raw beef cold and separate, and cook ground meat centers thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken instead?

The source lists a separate chicken version; use its own ingredients and cook chicken filling to 74°C (165°F).

How should I store baked beef samsa with onion?

Refrigerate cooked pastries up to 2 days or freeze.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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