Easy cheesy beef-filled bites are a delicious, bite-sized snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy shell. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick family meal, these bites are simple to make and loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Cheesy and flavorful – A perfect combination of beef and gooey cheese
- Kid-friendly – A fun and tasty snack everyone will enjoy
- Great for meal prep – Can be made ahead and frozen
- Customizable – Use different cheeses or add extra spices
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Refrigerated biscuit dough, puff pastry, or crescent roll dough
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, paprika, or taco seasoning for extra flavor
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season the beef – Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Stir well.
- Assemble the bites – Roll out the dough and cut into small squares or circles. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture and shredded cheese in the center of each piece.
- Seal and bake – Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Brush with egg wash and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve – Let cool slightly and enjoy with dipping sauces like ketchup, marinara, or ranch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Different Fillings: Try adding cooked bacon, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Dough Options: Use pizza dough, phyllo dough, or even wonton wrappers for a crispy version.
- Mini Taco Bites: Season the beef with taco seasoning and serve with salsa.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for black beans and corn.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bites and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made taco meat?
Yes, using leftover taco meat is a great shortcut for this recipe.
What’s the best cheese for these bites?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
How do I prevent the bites from opening while baking?
Pinch the edges firmly and brush with egg wash to help seal.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, make them ahead, refrigerate or freeze, then bake when ready.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits?
Yes, crescent dough works well and makes a flakier texture.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Marinara, ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo are great options.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free dough or wrap the filling in gluten-free tortillas and bake.
How do I make them crispier?
Brush with melted butter before baking and bake on a wire rack for even crisping.
Conclusion
Easy cheesy beef-filled bites are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick meal, or just a fun appetizer, these golden, cheesy bites are sure to be a hit. Customize them to your taste and enjoy a warm, melty treat in every bite!
Print
Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These bite-sized treats feature seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tube (8 ounces/226 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to create smaller triangles.
- Assemble Bites: Place a small spoonful of the beef mixture onto each dough triangle, then top with a cube of cheddar cheese. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal and forming a small ball or pouch.
- Bake: Place the assembled bites onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.