Meat Puffs
Meat Puffs are savory, baked muffin-like bites featuring seasoned ground beef, onions, and green pepper, perfect as appetizers or hearty snacks for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt fat in skillet; add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Crumble bread into a mixing bowl; add milk and let stand until bread is moist.
- Add unbeaten eggs to the bread mixture and mix well.
- Stir in sautéed onions, chopped green pepper, seasoned salt, and ground beef; mix thoroughly.
- Pile the mixture lightly into greased 2 1/2-inch muffin pans.
- Top each with a thin onion slice.
- Bake in a hot oven (425°F) until nicely browned, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil or butter instead of fat. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Make sure to let the bread soak in the milk long enough for a moist texture, similar to the bread in Hash Pizza Pies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat puffs hot as a delightful appetizer or main dish. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also enjoy them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or a tangy barbecue sauce. For more beef recipes, explore dishes like Beery Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through without becoming dry. For quicker reheating, you can use a microwave, but they may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Puffs contains roughly 729 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meat puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the meat mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the muffin pans and bake when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and can save time on busy days.
Can I freeze the meat puffs?
Absolutely! After baking, let the meat puffs cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for regular bread, you can use whole wheat or even sourdough for added flavor. Just ensure the bread is not too dense, as it needs to crumble easily and absorb the milk for the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).