Easy & Savory Beef & Cheddar Pastries Recipe That’s Ready in 30

Savory beef and cheddar pastries offer a delightful culinary adventure that changes humble ingredients into extraordinary bites.

These golden-brown parcels pack incredible flavor within flaky, buttery layers of pastry.

Crisp exterior shells give way to rich, meaty interiors bursting with hearty seasoned beef and melted cheese.

Each pastry represents a perfect balance between rustic comfort and gourmet sophistication.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this recipe by understanding a few simple techniques.

The combination creates a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep cravings for warmth and indulgence.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible handheld delights.

Keeping Beef & Cheddar Pastries Fresh for Later

• Refrigerate pastries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each pastry individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Reheat in the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F and warm pastries for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the crust soggy and tough.
• Freeze cooled pastries for longer storage. Place in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

What to Serve with Beef & Cheddar Pastries

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Match these savory pastries with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, whose rich tannins complement the hearty beef and sharp cheddar flavors.
• Fresh Arugula Salad Companion: Create a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pastry's richness and add a bright, zesty contrast.
• Cool Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream Dip: Whip up a tangy dipping sauce with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice to cut through the pastry's richness and enhance its spicy undertones.
• Crisp Amber Craft Beer Pairing: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to echo the pastry's warm spices and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the meaty, cheesy filling.

Fun Twists on Beef & Cheddar Pastries

• Tex-Mex Beef Pockets: Replace cumin, paprika, and chili powder with taco seasoning. Add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for extra southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Lamb Pastries: Swap ground beef for ground lamb. Include oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Use Greek-style yogurt as a dipping sauce.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Empanadas: Substitute beef with black beans and roasted corn. Mix in diced tomatoes and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Add chopped cilantro for freshness.
• Breakfast Sausage Turnovers: Replace beef with breakfast sausage. Incorporate scrambled eggs and swap cheddar for sharp white cheddar. Sprinkle chives on top before baking for added flavor.

What Makes Beef & Cheddar Pastries So Satisfying

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: These pastries pack a punch of bold, spicy beef and melted cheddar cheese in a perfectly portable package that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: The simple skillet-to-oven method makes these pastries beginner-friendly, allowing home cooks to create impressive handheld meals with minimal culinary skills and basic ingredients.
• Enjoy Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, picnics, lunch boxes, or casual dinner parties, these pastries offer a delightful combination of crispy exterior and juicy, cheesy interior that appeals to both kids and adults.

Inside the Layers of Beef & Cheddar Pastries

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the pastry filling, best when freshly ground from a trusted butcher.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides rich, melty flavor and creamy texture to the beef mixture.

• Onion: Sweet and savory vegetable that adds depth and foundation to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Warm spices that create a complex and slightly spicy flavor dimension.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate the meat's natural taste.

• Pie Crusts: Flaky base that holds the savory filling, allowing for easy handheld eating.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps seal the pastry edges and creates a golden, glossy exterior when brushed on top.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent dough from sticking during preparation.

How to Assemble Beef & Cheddar Pastries Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release its fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the beef until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends smoothly with the beef mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Pastry Circles

Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch diameter circles using a round cutter or glass.

Step 6: Assemble Pastries

Place a spoonful of beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough to create a half-moon shape. Crimp edges with a fork to seal completely.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of pastries with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastries turn crisp and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious handheld beef and cheese treats hot from the oven.

Tips to Perfect Savory Beef & Cheddar Pastries

• Seal Edges Securely: Crimp pastry edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect seal and neat presentation.
• Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef after cooking to keep pastry crusts crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese cool slightly before mixing with beef to prevent it from becoming greasy and maintain a smooth, even texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients for consistent dough rolling and even pastry browning.
• Egg Wash Magic: Apply egg wash evenly with a pastry brush for a shiny, golden-brown exterior that looks professionally baked.

Savory Beef & Cheddar Pastries Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delectable Savory Beef & Cheddar Pastries showcase hearty ground beef and sharp cheddar nestled in flaky, golden puff pastry. Homemade comfort embraces kitchen creativity with these irresistible hand-held delights that invite you to savor each rich, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pastry and Finishing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft.
3. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with cumin, paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook the beef mixture thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles and ensuring no pink remains, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
6. Remove skillet from heat and fold shredded cheddar cheese into the warm beef mixture, allowing the cheese to melt completely and integrate smoothly.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pie crusts and use a 4-inch (10-centimeter) round cutter to create precise circular dough pieces.
8. Place approximately of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
9. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, using a fork to crimp and securely seal the edges.
10. Gently brush the pastry tops with beaten egg, which will help achieve a golden, glossy finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries turn a rich, golden brown and develop a crisp exterior.

Notes

• Versatile pastry perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or game day snacks with irresistible flavor combinations.
• Prep ahead and freeze uncooked pastries for convenient meal planning and last-minute entertaining.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure easier mixing and more consistent pastry texture.
• Ground turkey or lamb can seamlessly replace beef for diverse protein alternatives.
• Store leftover pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in oven to maintain crispy crust.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg