· By Julia Boase

My Mum’s Giant Sausage Roll (and Lunchbox Mini Rolls)

This recipe has been a constant in my house for years — passed down from my mum, who used to make it as a giant “pasty slice” for dinner. It’s technically more veggie-packed than a traditional sausage roll (hence why she called it a pasty slice), which is exactly what I love about it.

Now I make it for my own kids — a couple of giant sausage rolls for dinner and mini versions for their lunchboxes the next day. It’s one meal everyone loves, and the leftovers are just as good cold.

Ingredients

  • 500g lean beef mince

  • 1 onion, finely diced

  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.5cm cubes

  • 1 carrot, finely grated

  • ~500g pumpkin, cut into 0.5cm cubes

  • 1 packet butter puff pastry (6 sheets)

  • 2 eggs (1 for the mix, 1 for egg wash)

  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1–2 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to season

Method

  1. Prep the veggies: Dice and chop all vegetables. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and parboil the potato and pumpkin for 2 minutes — just until slightly tender. Drain and cool.

  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, onion, grated carrot, cooked potato and pumpkin, 1 lightly beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands.

  3. Assemble:

    • For giant sausage rolls: Place a sheet of puff pastry on a lined tray and spoon a thick row of filling down the middle.

    • For mini rolls: Cut each pastry sheet in half and spoon a narrow line of filling down the centre of each half.
      Roll up tightly and place seam-side down. Cut minis to desired size.

  4. Top and bake: Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with poppy seeds (if using), and cut small diagonal slits on top of the giant sausage rolls only to let steam escape.

    • Mini sausage rolls: Bake at 220°C for 20–30 minutes, until golden.

    • Giant sausage rolls: Bake at 190°C for 40–50 minutes, covering the ends with foil if they brown too quickly.

  5. Store or freeze: Cool and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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