Beef Snack Bites (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef bites baked to perfection with onions, garlic, and spices for a protein-packed snack.

# 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 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme

→ Optional Additions

11 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How To Make:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in minutes and bake while you do something else, making them feel almost effortless.
  • Real, honest flavors from smoked paprika and fresh garlic that feel like actual food, not a protein supplement.
  • Portable enough to throw in a container, but rich enough that you feel genuinely satisfied.
02 -
  • Overmixing the beef turns the bites tough and dense; mix just until everything is incorporated and walk away.
  • Turning them halfway through baking is what gives you that golden crust on all sides, not just the bottom.
03 -
  • If your ground beef is especially lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture so the bites stay tender and don't dry out in the oven.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to make all the bites exactly the same size, so they bake evenly without some burning while others stay raw.

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