Savoury Beef and Cheese Turnovers

These Savoury Beef and Cheese Turnovers are golden, flaky pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs—perfect as appetizers, handheld lunches, or savory snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor – seasoned beef, onions, and garlic come together with gooey cheese

• Handheld and portable – ideal warm or cold for parties or lunches

• Versatile filling – tweak herbs, cheese, or spices based on your taste

• Make-ahead friendly – assemble ahead and bake when needed

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or finely chopped tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 sheet (about 8 oz) puff pastry or prepared pie dough, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

directions

1. Cook the beef filling
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink.
   Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook another minute to meld flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese.

2. Preheat oven
   Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Assemble turnovers
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a ~10″ x 12″ rectangle. Cut into four 5″ x 6″ rectangles.
   Place ~⅓ cup of beef-cheese filling on one half of each rectangle, leaving a small border. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold over to form a turnover, and crimp or press edges with a fork to seal. Brush the top of each with beaten egg.

4. Bake
   Transfer turnovers to the prepared baking sheet. Bake 18–20 minutes until pastry is golden, puffed, and crisp.

5. Serve
   Let cool for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve warm—delicious with avocado, salsa, or a dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 turnovers (feeds 3–4)

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes

• Cook time: 18–20 minutes

• Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeño, a dash of chili powder, or pickled jalapeños in the filling

• Cheese swap: Use pepper jack, Gruyère, feta, or crumbled queso fresco

• Veggie mix: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrition

• Mini turnovers: Cut dough into smaller squares (2½″), reduce cooking time to 12–15 minutes for bite-size snacks

• Herb seasoning: Use fresh cilantro, oregano, or basil depending on flavor direction (e.g. Mexican or Mediterranean style)

• Baked alternative: Brush tops with garlic butter in the last 3 minutes for a richer crust

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled turnovers in airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze fully baked turnovers, then reheat in a 350 °F oven for 10 minutes until heated through; or freeze uncooked sealed turnovers and bake from frozen—bake 22–25 minutes

• Reheat: Warm individual turnovers in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp and hot again

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes—ground turkey or chicken works well; seasoning remains the same. Add a splash of broth or olive oil if it’s too dry.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written—use gluten-free puff pastry to make it gluten-free.

Can I assemble and freeze before baking?

Absolutely—prepare turnovers, freeze uncooked on a lined sheet, then bake directly from frozen (add a few minutes to bake time).

How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Let beef mixture cool slightly before filling; ensure no excess moisture. Use puff pastry for best crispiness.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes—swap the beef for seasoned cooked lentils, beans, or plant-based ground meat, and omit Worcestershire or choose a vegan version.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes—make multiple batches and freeze; reheat when you need a ready-to-eat savory snack or meal.

Can I make them smaller for party appetizers?

Yes—mini-sized turnovers bake in 12–15 minutes and work great on party platters.

What sauces pair well?

Pair with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chimichurri, or hot sauce for dipping.

Can I add other spices?

Yes—adjust with cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder to match flavor preference.

How long to bake from frozen?

Bake frozen turnovers at 375 °F (190 °C) for about 22–25 minutes until pastry is golden and fully cooked.

Conclusion

Savoury Beef and Cheese Turnovers are flavorful, easy-to-make pastries that bring together seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and flaky dough in a portable, crowd-pleasing package. Perfect for brunch, snacks, or casual dinners—and highly adaptable to your favorite fillings and occasions!

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