Poor Man’s Beef Wellington

Name: Poor Man’s Beef Wellington
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 potatoes, diced; 2–3 garlic cloves, minced; Olive oil; 4 sprigs rosemary or thyme (or 1 tsp dried); 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional); 1 egg, beaten; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 package puff pastry, thawed; Flour, for dusting; Salt & pepper

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Love the idea of Beef Wellington but not the price tag? This poor man’s beef wellington delivers all the comfort and drama of the classic—tender beef, savory veggies, golden puff pastry—but swaps out expensive filet for a hearty, flavorful ground beef and vegetable filling. You’ll still get that gorgeous, crackly crust and a sliceable “wow” factor, but with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

Sliced Poor Man’s Beef Wellington filled with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas, wrapped in golden puff pastry. Easy, affordable dinner idea for cozy nights, meal prep, and holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Poor Man’s Beef Wellington

All the Fancy, None of the Fuss

This Wellington is easy enough for a beginner, affordable for a crowd, and feels like a gourmet upgrade to meatloaf or shepherd’s pie.

Full of Flavor & Hidden Veggies

The filling is loaded with sautéed onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, and a touch of fresh herbs—making every bite savory, juicy, and never boring.

Weeknight & Kid-Friendly

No tricky temps or timers. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you slice in!

Ingredient Guide & Tips

What You’ll Need:

Lean ground beef: 1 lb (or swap in ground turkey or Beyond Meat for a twist)
Puff pastry: 1 package, thawed
Potatoes, carrots, celery, onion: Diced and sautéed for a classic comfort vibe
Garlic cloves: Minced for a flavor boost
Fresh rosemary or thyme: A few sprigs, or dried herbs if that’s what you have
Frozen peas: Optional, but tasty (swap in any frozen veggies or canned mixed veggies)
Egg: For binding the filling and glazing the pastry
Salt & pepper
Olive oil & flour (for rolling out pastry)

For precise amounts, check the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Poor Man’s Beef Wellington

1. Make the Veggie Mix

Sauté diced onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, garlic, and herbs in olive oil over medium heat until everything is tender and fragrant (6–8 minutes). Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooled veggie mix, ground beef, peas, salt, pepper, and half the beaten egg. Use your hands to gently mix and knead everything together until well combined.

3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Dust your work surface with flour. Roll the puff pastry sheet to about ¼-inch thick.

4. Shape & Assemble

Form the beef mixture into a rough log. Place in the center of the pastry. Brush the edges with reserved egg, then roll up like a burrito, tucking the ends under to seal. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased.

5. Glaze & Bake

Brush the entire loaf with more beaten egg. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Rest & Slice

Let your Wellington rest 5–10 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife (prevents the pastry from tearing).

Sliced Poor Man’s Beef Wellington on a white plate with flaky pastry crust and savory filling. Perfect for Sunday dinner, meal prep, and easy entertaining.

Pro Tips for Poor Man’s Wellington

Cool veggies and filling before wrapping: This keeps the pastry crisp.
Want a vegetarian version? Use Beyond Meat or lentils and plenty of veggies.
Customize your filling: Swap in sweet potato, canned mixed veg, or add a handful of shredded cheese for richness.
Don’t skip the egg wash: It’s what gives the crust that gorgeous, deep golden color and bakery-style crunch.

Three slices of Poor Man’s Beef Wellington arranged on a plate. The pastry is crisp and golden, stuffed with ground beef, carrots, peas, and potatoes—great for family meals or holiday dinners.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Serving

Make-ahead: Assemble and chill the loaf up to 8 hours ahead; bake just before dinner.
Store leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven.
Serve with: A green salad, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even brown gravy for a full comfort food experience.

Two stacked slices of Poor Man’s Beef Wellington with a flaky, shiny crust. A family favorite for comfort food lovers and those looking for simple, budget dinners.

FAQ

1. Can I use different ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work.

2. How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Let the filling cool before wrapping, and always brush with egg before baking.

3. Can I make individual Wellingtons?

Yes—divide the filling into portions, wrap each in pastry, and bake for 30–35 minutes.

4. Can I make it gluten free?

Use gluten-free pie crust or pastry as several readers suggest!