Savory Protein-Rich Beef Bites (Printable Version)

Protein-packed beef bites seasoned with smoky spices, oven-baked for a flavorful, portable treat.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme. Add cheese and parsley if desired.
03 - Stir until ingredients are evenly combined, taking care not to overmix.
04 - Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned and fully cooked.
06 - Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • They're genuinely addictive, seasoned just right so you'll eat more than you planned.
  • Made in under 40 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off baking.
  • Packed with protein and low enough in carbs that they work as a legitimate meal, not just a snack.
  • You can make a huge batch and freeze them for days when you need something quick and satisfying.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flip halfway through baking, or one side stays pale and the other over-browns, leaving you with uneven results.
  • Overmixing the meat mixture compacts it and makes the bites tough instead of tender, so stop mixing as soon as everything is barely combined.
  • If you freeze these, they'll keep for three weeks, and you can pull them straight from the freezer and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.
03 -
  • Wet your hands before shaping so the mixture doesn't stick and you can work faster and more cleanly.
  • Don't be afraid of the smoked paprika, it's the ingredient that transforms these from basic to crave-worthy.

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