Savory Protein-rich Beef Bites (Printable)

Savory beef bites seasoned with spices, baked for a protein-rich, portable snack that's easy to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1.1 lbs lean ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Binders & Fillers

04 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp dried oregano
10 - ½ tsp dried thyme

→ Optional Additions

11 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How-to Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme. Add shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
03 - Mix all ingredients gently until evenly incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain texture.
04 - Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
06 - Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour, and most of that is just oven time while you do something else.
  • Packed with real protein, so they actually keep you satisfied instead of leaving you hungry twenty minutes later.
  • Freezer-friendly, which means meal prep on Sunday pays off all week long.
02 -
  • Don't overmix the meat mixture or you'll end up with rubbery bites instead of tender ones; mix just until everything disappears.
  • Turning them halfway through baking makes all the difference in even browning and ensures they cook through properly.
03 -
  • Use parchment paper so the bites don't stick and cleanup takes thirty seconds instead of ten minutes of soaking.
  • Shape them all the same size so they bake evenly and finish at the same time.

Go back