Savory Protein-Rich Beef Bites (Printable)

Protein-rich beef bites seasoned with smoked paprika and herbs, oven-baked to a savory perfection.

# What You 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:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and 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 using.
03 - Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
04 - Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the bites once halfway through, until they are browned and fully cooked.
06 - Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're protein-packed enough to silence mid-afternoon hunger without the crash that comes with processed snacks.
  • You can make them on a Sunday and eat them all week—crispy when warm, still satisfying at room temperature.
  • The seasoning blend tastes sophisticated enough to impress people, but the technique is simple enough that you'll actually repeat it.
02 -
  • Don't skip the parchment paper—it sounds like a small thing, but it saves you from watching these stick to the sheet and tear apart.
  • The turn halfway through matters more than you'd think; it's what gives you those caramelized edges instead of pale, steamed-looking bites.
03 -
  • Wet your hands when shaping so the mixture stays manageable and each bite comes out evenly sized.
  • Don't be afraid to taste a tiny piece of raw mixture before baking—it's your last chance to adjust seasoning if something feels off.

Return