This Savory Minced Meat and Cheese Pastry Bake is a deliciously simple and satisfying dish made with a flaky pastry base, seasoned minced meat, onions, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, family lunch, or even a hearty snack. The meat is gently spiced, the cheese adds richness, and the pastry becomes golden and crisp in the oven. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers major comfort food vibes and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Preparation Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
Servings: 6–8 slices
Cuisine
European-Inspired Savory Pastry Bake
Ingredients
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800 g (28.2 oz) pastry dough (store-bought or homemade puff pastry or shortcrust)
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450 g (15.9 oz) minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
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2 eggs
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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100–150 g (3.5–5.3 oz) shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) so it’s ready once your bake is assembled. -
Prepare the filling
In a large skillet or pan, cook the minced meat over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, and cook until the onion is soft and the meat is browned. Season with salt and black pepper. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. -
Beat the eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs. Once the meat has cooled slightly, stir in the eggs to help bind the filling and keep it moist during baking. -
Add cheese
Mix in shredded cheese. You can adjust the quantity depending on how cheesy you like it. Reserve some to sprinkle on top, if desired. -
Roll out the pastry dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions—one for the base and one for the top. Roll out the first portion and place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Press the dough into the corners and up the sides slightly. -
Add the filling
Spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the pastry base. -
Cover with top layer of pastry
Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges together to seal. You can crimp with a fork for decoration. -
Optional egg wash
For a golden top, brush with a bit of beaten egg or milk. -
Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F), or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. -
Cool and serve
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with salad, yogurt, or your favorite dip.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate for 8 servings)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 380mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on pastry and cheese types used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This type of savory meat pie or pastry bake is beloved in many cultures—ranging from British meat pies, Turkish börek, Balkan burek, and Middle Eastern sfiha. The concept is universally loved: seasoned meat encased in golden pastry. This version uses simple pantry staples to recreate that same comforting experience in a quick and accessible format.
Its popularity continues to grow as it fits into busy lives while still delivering homemade satisfaction. You don’t need special equipment or techniques, just quality ingredients and a hot oven.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Golden and flaky pastry: Crispy on the outside, tender inside.
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Juicy, flavorful filling: The seasoned meat and melted cheese are perfectly balanced.
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Quick and easy: Minimal prep and no complicated steps.
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Familiar flavors that please any crowd.
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Budget-friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients.
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Perfect for leftovers: Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
This dish is ideal for when you want something warm, filling, and incredibly comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Health Benefits
While this dish leans toward indulgent comfort food, it also offers valuable nutrition:
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Minced meat: Provides protein, iron, and B vitamins.
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Cheese: Adds calcium and extra protein.
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Onions: Contain antioxidants and compounds that support heart health.
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Eggs: Rich in healthy fats, choline, and high-quality protein.
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Balanced macros: Offers a mix of protein, fat, and carbs for sustained energy.
For a lighter version, you can use lean ground meat and low-fat cheese, or substitute a portion of meat with sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
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With salad: Pair with a simple green or tomato-cucumber salad.
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As a main course: Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
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As a party appetizer: Cut into small squares and serve on a platter.
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With dips: Goes great with garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or ketchup.
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For breakfast or brunch: Enjoy cold or reheated with tea or coffee.
It’s flexible enough to be served for any meal—and makes great picnic food, too.
Cooking Tips
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Cool the filling: This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
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Don’t overfill: Too much filling can prevent the pastry from cooking evenly.
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Seal edges well: Crimping keeps everything inside and prevents leaks.
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Use parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
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Watch the top crust: If it browns too quickly, tent with foil.
These tips ensure a crisp, golden crust and a moist, flavorful filling every time.
Variations to Try
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Add vegetables: Try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeño.
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Use different cheese: Feta, gouda, or a mix of cheeses.
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Try phyllo dough: For a lighter, flakier crust.
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Switch the protein: Use ground turkey, lamb, or a vegetarian meat alternative.
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Add herbs: Try parsley, oregano, or thyme in the filling for added flavor.
The basic structure of this dish is a great canvas for experimentation.
Conclusion
Savory Minced Meat and Cheese Pastry Bake is a comfort classic that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving. With its flaky golden crust, rich and cheesy filling, and simple preparation, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether served as a main dish, snack, or centerpiece at a family gathering, it offers familiar flavors with timeless appeal.
From weeknight dinners to weekend brunches or freezer-friendly meal prep, this recipe is one of those rare gems that’s both easy and impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Yes! Puff pastry, pie dough, or shortcrust all work well.
2. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and bake or reheat directly from frozen.
4. What type of meat works best?
Ground beef or a mix of beef and lamb gives the best flavor. You can also use turkey or chicken.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, peas, corn, or mushrooms all work well.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness.
7. What cheese is best?
Mozzarella melts well; cheddar adds sharpness. Use what you prefer or have on hand.
8. Can I use phyllo dough instead?
Yes, layer phyllo sheets with oil or butter and follow the same steps.
9. Do I have to use both pastry layers?
You can use just a base layer and leave the top open, or make mini open-faced versions.
10. What can I serve it with?
Salads, pickles, yogurt sauce, or soup all pair nicely.