1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheesy Minced Meat Puff Pastry

Cheesy Minced Meat Puff Pastry

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These flaky puff pastry pockets are loaded with savory minced meat and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort snack or main dish. Quick to prepare and elegant enough to serve at gatherings, they're crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy inside. Perfect for family meals, lunchboxes, or entertaining, this dish blends rich, satisfying flavors with easy, fuss-free assembly. Make ahead, freeze, or serve warm—these pastries adapt to every occasion with flavor and flair.

Pin to Pinterest Share This Recipe Share It Via Email Print the Recipe Go to Recipe Steps
A woman in a blue apron holding a plate of food.
Published By Sophie
Updated on Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:31:09 GMT
A plate of cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. Bookmark
A plate of cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. | ioanacooks.com

This flaky cheesy minced meat puff pastry has become one of my most reliable crowd-pleasers for both casual and special meals. The golden exterior paired with juicy spiced meat and melted cheese inside is the kind of comfort food that never fails. Whether I serve them warm for family dinner or prep ahead for a party tray these parcels always disappear fast.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or lamb: adds savory richness go for leaner cuts to avoid greasiness
  • Olive oil: helps sauté the aromatics and gives the filling body
  • Onion: finely chopped builds the base flavor look for sweet yellow onions
  • Garlic: minced adds depth and warmth fresh cloves are best
  • Paprika: brings subtle smokiness choose a fresh vibrant red one
  • Dried oregano: layers herbaceous flavor crush it in your palm before using
  • Tomato paste: adds umami richness and binds the filling
  • Salt and black pepper: balance the seasoning always taste after cooking
  • Fresh parsley: brightens the mix optional but highly recommended
  • Grated cheese: provides the gooey factor use cheddar mozzarella or a mix
  • Puff pastry sheets: form the buttery crisp shell thaw them thoroughly before using
  • Egg: brushed on top creates a glossy golden finish
  • Sesame or nigella seeds: add texture and flavor on top optional but pretty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Cook onion in olive oil over medium heat for about four minutes until translucent then add garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant
Brown the Meat:
Add ground beef or lamb to the pan and break it up with a spoon cooking for six to eight minutes until fully browned then drain any excess fat
Season and Combine:
Stir in tomato paste paprika oregano salt and pepper then cook for three more minutes until thick and aromatic remove from heat and mix in parsley and grated cheese
Prepare the Pastry:
Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper then roll out the puff pastry and cut into ten centimeter squares
Fill and Fold:
Place one or two tablespoons of filling in the center of each square fold into a triangle or rectangle and press edges to seal crimp with a fork for a decorative edge
Finish and Bake:
Arrange pastries on the baking tray brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds if using then bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until golden and puffed
Serve and Enjoy:
Let pastries rest for five minutes before serving to allow filling to settle and enjoy them warm
A plate of cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. Bookmark
A plate of cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Let the pastries cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven at one seventy five Celsius until crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version Try feta and spinach instead of meat for a vegetarian option Replace puff pastry with phyllo if you prefer a lighter crunch

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cucumber yogurt salad and mint tea for a Mediterranean vibe Pair with tomato soup for a comforting lunch Include in brunch spreads with fruit and scrambled eggs

Cultural Notes

This dish draws inspiration from sfeeha keema puffs and meat pasties It blends the flaky pastry traditions of Europe with savory spice profiles found in Middle Eastern and South Asian kitchens

Cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. Bookmark
Cheesy minced meat puff pastry pockets. | ioanacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the pastries before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What type of cheese works best?

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers both flavor and stretch. You can also use your favorite melty cheese.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of veggies and cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Let the filling cool completely and seal the edges well using a fork. Avoid overfilling the pastry squares.

→ What’s a good side dish to serve with these?

Pair them with a crisp salad, garlic yogurt dip, or a warm bowl of tomato or lentil soup for a complete meal.

Cheesy Minced Meat Puff Pastry

Golden puff pastries filled with cheesy minced meat. Crispy outside, juicy inside. Great for meals or gatherings.

Time Needed to Prep
25 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Published By: Sophie

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: International

Number of Portions: 8 How Many It Serves (6–8 pastries)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Filling

Ingredient 01 400 g ground beef or lamb
Ingredient 02 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient 03 1 small onion, finely chopped
Ingredient 04 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Ingredient 07 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Ingredient 08 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 09 Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 10 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Ingredient 11 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

→ Assembly

Ingredient 12 2 large puff pastry sheets, thawed if frozen
Ingredient 13 1 egg, beaten
Ingredient 14 Sesame seeds or nigella seeds, for topping (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 02

Add ground meat and cook until browned, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes.

Step 03

Remove from heat and stir in parsley and grated cheese. Let mixture cool slightly.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out pastry and cut into 10 cm squares or rectangles.

Step 05

Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling on each square. Fold over to form a triangle or rectangle. Seal edges and crimp with a fork.

Step 06

Arrange on tray, brush with egg, and top with seeds if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.

Step 07

Let pastries cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Extra Tips

  1. Chill the filling before assembly to prevent soggy pastry.
  2. Do not roll puff pastry thinner than 3–4 mm.
  3. You can freeze unbaked pastries and bake directly from frozen.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Fork

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains egg
  • Contains gluten (puff pastry)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 310
  • Total Fat: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 22 grams
  • Protein Amount: 13 grams