These Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Pockets are flaky, golden, and stuffed with savory seasoned beef and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect as an easy dinner idea, party appetizer, or make-ahead freezer snack, this comfort food favorite delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a quick family-friendly meal, these beef-filled pastries are always a hit.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the beef filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese.
Add the cheese
Stir the shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the warm beef mixture. Mixing after cooling slightly prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
Assemble the pastry pockets
Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each into 4 equal squares. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over to form a rectangle or triangle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal well.
Brush and bake
Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and deep golden brown.
Cool and serve
Allow the puff pastry pockets to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best cheesy center.
