Looking for a snack that’s both cheesy and meaty, with just the right amount of crunch? Look no further! These Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites are perfect for any occasion, from a game day treat to a quick dinner appetizer. Filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, these little bites are wrapped in crispy dough, making them an irresistible choice for anyone who loves cheese and beef.
Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, an after-school treat, or even a savory appetizer for a dinner gathering, these little bites pack a flavor punch and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, so you can have these cheesy delights ready in no time.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 300g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 70g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (5g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (2.5g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100g shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For the Bites:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (or 8-10 small flour tortillas)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-7 minutes).
- Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the beef mixture has cooled, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- If using puff pastry, roll it out on a floured surface to a thin rectangle (about 5mm thick). Cut the dough into squares, about 6cm x 6cm each. If using flour tortillas, cut them into small circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Bites
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough square or tortilla circle. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon or triangle shape. Use a fork to press down the edges and seal the bites tightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and lightly brush it over the top of each filled bite to create a golden, shiny finish. You can also lightly brush the bites with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bake the Bites
- Place the filled and sealed bites onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with sour cream or salsa on the side for dipping if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Beef Filled Bites
🔥 Make It Spicy – Add jalapeño slices or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
🧀 Cheese Variations – For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
🍴 Mini Bites for Parties – If serving as appetizers for a party, cut the puff pastry into even smaller squares for mini-sized bites.
💨 Freezer-Friendly – These cheesy bites can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Creative Variations to Try
🌶 Buffalo Beef Bites – Mix the cooked beef with some buffalo sauce before adding the cheese for a tangy, spicy twist.
🥓 Bacon Lovers – Add crispy bacon bits to the beef mixture for a smoky, savory flavor.
🍄 Mushroom Beef Bites – Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy, umami-rich taste.
🍅 Tomato & Beef Bites – Add some diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for a juicy, fresh element.
Leave a Reply