Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Pockets
Description
Golden, flaky puff pastry pockets stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a touch of fresh green onion. Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside—these are perfect for family dinners, snacks, or party appetizers. No wonder your grandson didn’t want to share the last one!
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin (optional, but adds depth)
2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley
For the Pastry
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk or water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cook the filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and tomato paste.
Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Let cool slightly, then mix in cheese and green onions.
Prepare the pastry
Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly.
Cut each sheet into 4–6 rectangles (depending on size).
Fill and fold
Spoon beef mixture onto one half of each rectangle.
Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
Egg wash
Brush tops with beaten egg mixed with milk.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool slightly & serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving (the filling will be hot!).
Notes
Letting the filling cool prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
Don’t overfill—this helps keep pockets sealed and flaky.
You can sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an even richer crust.
Tips for Best Results
Use cold puff pastry—warm pastry won’t puff properly.
Seal edges well to avoid cheese leakage.
Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even browning.
Serve with dipping sauces like garlic mayo, marinara, or ketchup.
Servings
Makes 8–12 pockets
Serves 4–6 people (depending on appetite!)
Approximate Nutritional Info (Per Pocket)
Calories: ~280
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Calcium: Moderate (from cheese)
(Values vary based on cheese and pastry brand.)
Benefits
High protein from beef supports muscle growth.
Calcium from cheese helps strengthen bones.
Comfort food that’s satisfying and family-friendly.
Can be made ahead and frozen for busy days.
Recipe Q & A
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked pockets on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen—add 5–7 extra minutes.
Q: Can I use other meats?
A: Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or lamb work great.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor, or a mix of both.
Q: Can these be made ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Are they kid-friendly?
A: Very! You can reduce spices for younger kids.