Savory Beef and Cheese Pastry Squares

Introduction

These Beef and Cheese Pastry Squares are a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. They combine seasoned ground beef and melted cheese between buttery, golden layers of flaky puff pastry, making them perfect for snacks, appetizers, or casual family meals.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

2 sheets of high-quality puff pastry, thawed

1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup finely diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg (for egg wash)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and oregano, then allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Lay one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet.

Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the meat.

Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal.

How to Make

Brush the top of the pastry thoroughly with a beaten egg wash to achieve a deep, lacquered golden-brown finish.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and the cheese inside is bubbling.

Let the pastry squares rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Variations

Taco Twist: Season the beef with taco spices and add a layer of diced jalapeños before sealing.

Breakfast Style: Swap the ground beef for cooked crumbled sausage and a thin layer of scrambled eggs.

Philly Style: Add sautéed green peppers and mushrooms to the beef mixture and use provolone cheese instead of cheddar.

Tips

Cool the Filling: Never place hot meat directly onto raw pastry, or it will make the dough soggy.

Seal Tight: Wet your finger with water and run it along the edges before crimping to prevent cheese leaks.

Cold Dough: Keep the puff pastry refrigerated until assembly for the flakiest results.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 360 kcal

Total Fat: 22g

Carbohydrates: 21g

Protein: 19g

Healthy Benefits

High Protein Content: Supports muscle repair and provides lasting satiety.

Source of Iron: Red meat contains heme iron, which helps maintain energy levels.

Zinc Support: Boosts the immune system and overall metabolic health.

Conclusion

These savory pastry squares offer the perfect combination of flaky crust and hearty filling. Easy to prepare, visually impressive, and delicious, they are a guaranteed hit for family dinners, parties, or game-day gatherings.