Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Pockets
These are the ultimate handheld comfort food—flaky, golden puff pastry stuffed with savory seasoned beef and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, lunches, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Pockets
Yield: 8 large pockets
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 recommended)
· 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp onion powder
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 2 tbsp tomato paste
· ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
· ¼ tsp black pepper
· 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, or Italian blend)
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Assembly:
· 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (1 box, usually 17.3 oz)
· All-purpose flour, for dusting
· 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
· Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
For Serving (Optional):
· Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
· Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
· Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
· Stir in the garlic, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
· Remove from heat and let cool for at least 10–15 minutes. Stir in shredded cheese and parsley (if using). The mixture should be cool enough to handle—warm is okay, but hot will melt the pastry.
- Prep Pastry & Oven:
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
· Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out just enough to smooth any creases. Cut into 4 equal squares (about 4.5–5 inches each). Repeat with the second sheet.
- Assemble the Pockets:
· Place about 3–4 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each pastry square.
· Brush the edges lightly with egg wash.
· Fold one corner over to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal. (You can also fold into rectangles if preferred.)
· Transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning, if using.
· Use a small sharp knife to cut 2–3 small steam vents in the top of each pocket.
- Bake:
· Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed, deeply golden brown, and crisp.
· Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving—the filling will be very hot.
Tips for Success:
· Thaw pastry properly in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 40 minutes—it should be pliable but still cold.
· Don’t overfill—too much filling will cause leaks during baking.
· Seal edges well to prevent cheese from oozing out.
· Let the filling cool before assembling so it doesn’t steam the pastry from the inside.
· Bake until deeply golden—pale pastry will be soggy underneath.
Variations:
🍄 Mushroom & Swiss:
Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and onions, and use Swiss or Gruyère cheese.
🌮 Taco Style:
Season beef with taco seasoning, add a spoonful of black beans and corn, and use pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa for dipping.
🍗 Buffalo Chicken:
Use cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, with blue cheese or ranch inside.
🥬 Philly Cheesesteak:
Sauté thin-sliced steak with onions and bell peppers, and use provolone cheese.
Make Ahead & Freezing:
To Freeze Unbaked:
Assemble pockets, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
To Freeze Baked:
Let cool completely, freeze on a tray, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp.
Storage:
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven to keep them crispy.
What to Serve With:
· A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette
· Roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or carrots)
· Tomato soup or a creamy potato soup
These pockets are wonderfully versatile—great for game day, packed lunches, or a kid-friendly dinner. Enjoy!