Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring hearty ingredients and bold flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
- A balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Customizable with different fillings and seasonings.
- Great for both casual and formal gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cream cheese, softened
- Jalapeños, diced (optional for spice)
- Green onions, chopped
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crescent roll dough or mini phyllo cups
- Egg wash (for golden crust, optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- If using crescent roll dough, roll out and cut into small squares. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square and fold edges together.
- If using mini phyllo cups, simply fill each cup with the mixture.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden crust if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra jalapeños.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda.
- Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of beef.
- Bacon Twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bites for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble just before baking.
What type of dough works best?
Crescent roll dough and phyllo cups are both excellent choices.
Can I use sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes! Italian sausage adds great flavor to the filling.
How do I make them crispier?
Bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for better airflow.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent dough or a gluten-free pastry alternative.
What’s the best way to serve Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites?
Arrange on a platter with dipping sauces for easy snacking.
How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and bake until the crust is fully golden and crispy.
Can I use store-bought filling?
Yes! Pre-made cheese spreads or sausage crumbles can be used in a pinch.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make a batch and reheat for a quick snack or appetizer.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer that will be a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve them as a game day snack or a party treat, these bites are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try this recipe and impress your guests with delicious, savory goodness!
Print
Easy Cheesy Beef Filled Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory ground beef mixed with spices and stuffed with melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy exterior. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender.
- Form the Bites: Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Cooking Options:
- Frying: Heat about 1 inch of cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until all sides are golden brown and the meat is cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the exterior is browned.
- Serve: Arrange the cheesy beef-filled bites on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for varied flavors.
- Make Ahead: These bites can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these bites with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or include them as part of a party platter with assorted dips and crudités.
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