Paprika Steak Shells: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

When I first made these Paprika Steak Shells, it felt like a warm hug on a plate. I remember sitting at my kitchen table, taking my first bite, and suddenly forgetting about everything else. If you’re looking for a cozy dish that is both simple and delicious, you’ve landed in the right place. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe!

What Are Paprika Steak Shells?

Paprika Steak Shells are delightful, flaky pockets filled with seasoned steak. They come together easily, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunch treat. The warm, comforting flavor of paprika combined with tender steak creates a lovely dish that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. Plus, these shells can be your canvas for creativity—whether you want to serve them with salsa or a cool sour cream dip, it’s totally up to you!

Ingredients Overview for Paprika Steak Shells

Before we dive into the cooking part, let’s quickly go over what you’ll need for these tasty Paprika Steak Shells:

Steak (flank or sirloin): This is the star ingredient. Choose the cut you prefer! Flank is lean and flavorful while sirloin is tender and juicy.
Paprika (sweet or smoked): Adds a delightful depth of flavor. Sweet paprika is great for mildness, while smoked paprika gives it a rich, earthy vibe.
All-purpose flour: Essential for making the shell dough. If you need a gluten-free option, you could try a gluten-free flour mix.
Unsalted butter (or olive oil): Both work well for the dough, but butter adds a rich flavor. If you prefer olive oil, go for it!
Milk (whole, almond, or soy): Use whatever you have on hand; they all help bind the dough nicely.
Egg (or flax egg for vegan): If you’re vegan, a flax egg is a great substitute! Just mix one tablespoon of ground flax with two and a half tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those flavors.
Pepper: A must for that little kick!
Garlic powder: For a boost of flavor; it’s a kitchen staple for a reason.
Onion powder (optional): If you love the hint of onion without the hassle of chopping, this one’s for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paprika Steak Shells

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making your Paprika Steak Shells!

Prepare the Dough: Grab a mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and cold butter. You want to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, add in your milk and egg (or flax egg). Mix gently until a dough forms, and set it aside.
Cook the Steak: Season your steak generously with sweet or smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping to get a nice brown on both sides. Remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Roll Out the Dough: Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles big enough to hold a scoop of steak filling. Aim for the size of your palm—perfect for stuffing!
Stuff the Shells: Take a spoonful of your sliced steak and place it on each dough circle. Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to pinch the edges down for a decorative touch.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your stuffed shells on it. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Serve hot and, if you want, add a dollop of sour cream or some salsa on the side.

Serving Suggestions

These Paprika Steak Shells are truly delightful on their own, but let your creativity shine! Serve them with a side of fresh salsa for some zing or a generous dollop of sour cream for that creamy finish. I sometimes like to whip up a simple salad with mixed greens to balance out the meal. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with this dish!

Tips for the Perfect Paprika Steak Shells

Keep the dough cold for flakiness.
Let your cooked steak rest; it retains more juices that way.
Don’t skimp on seasoning; it makes a big difference!
For a twist, try adding cheese to your steak filling.
Feel free to experiment with other spices if you’re looking for extra flavor.

Q&A Section

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cook the steak in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have paprika?
Don’t worry! You can use other spices like chili powder or cumin as a substitute, but it will alter the overall flavor.

Can I freeze these shells?
Yes! Just freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat, pop them straight into the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with Paprika Steak Shells?
They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even some crispy fries for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love It

These Paprika Steak Shells are amazing because they not only taste fantastic but also offer the kind of comfort you crave after a long day. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and the satisfaction of creating delicious pockets of flavor is hard to beat. Your friends and family will surely ask for seconds!

Kitchen Chronicles: Developing the Recipe

Creating these Paprika Steak Shells was a little bit of a journey. I had a few flops where the dough was too sticky one time, or the steak was overcooked another time. You know those “what-was-I-thinking” moments? But then, I finally got it right! The moment I took the first bite of the perfectly flaky shell with that smoky steak filling, I knew I had something special. It’s definitely become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen!

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Paprika Steak Shells

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Author: melissa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

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Description

Delightful, flaky pockets filled with seasoned steak, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Steak (flank or sirloin)
1 tbsp Paprika (sweet or smoked)
2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (or olive oil)
1/2 cup Milk (whole, almond, or soy)
1 Egg (or flax egg)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and egg (or flax egg), mixing gently until a dough forms. Set aside.
Cook the Steak: Season the steak with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping until browned. Let rest before slicing thinly.
Roll Out the Dough: Sprinkle flour on a countertop and roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cutter.
Stuff the Shells: Place a spoonful of sliced steak onto each dough circle, fold over, and press edges to seal.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and place the stuffed shells on it. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with salsa or sour cream. Experiment with other spices for variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg