This is a list of 17 ground-beef appetizers perfect for parties. We are going to cover everything from cheesy to spicy and easy-bite options that are perfect for a crowd.
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1) Cheesy Beef Empanadas
First on the list are cheesy beef empanadas. Empanadas are so good and easy to make. My favorite way to do this is to just get pre-made pie crust dough that you find in the refrigerator section of the grocery store.
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They are very easy to cut into perfectly round pieces, which you then fold over and close with a fork. This is going to be an appetizer that looks impressive and like it took a ton of effort, and it's actually really easy to do.
Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Brown the beef with the onion over medium heat, then stir in cumin, paprika, salt and pepper; drain and cool slightly.
- Stir the cheddar into the warm beef so it just starts to melt.
- Cut the pie crust into 4-inch rounds, spoon filling onto one half, fold over and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush each empanada with beaten egg and bake 20-22 minutes until deep golden.
- Let them rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
Notes
2) Spicy Beef Nachos
Nachos are, of course, a classic appetizer that everyone loves, and they can be the social centerpiece of the whole table. What makes these really nice is that you can make them on a loaded sheet pan, and that one-pan concept makes throwing everything on there together really easy, but it also makes cleanup a breeze, which everyone loves.
If you don't have an attractive sheet pan to cook these on, it's very easy to just transfer them onto a big dish and put it right in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.
Spicy Beef Nachos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Brown the beef, then stir in chili powder, cayenne, and a splash of water; simmer 3 minutes.
- Spread chips on a sheet pan and scatter the beef and cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Top with jalapeno, dollops of sour cream, and green onions before serving.
Notes
3) Mini Meatball Skewers
These mini meatball skewers are the perfect snack for everyone to enjoy. One trick you always want to do with skewers is be sure to soak them in cold water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from splintering off into your meat. You definitely don't want that for any of your guests.
But mini meatballs are found in the frozen food section. You do not have to take the time to roll these meatballs; just buy them already rolled and ready to go. Put them on a skewer, and it is easy for everyone to eat and enjoy.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, then roll into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs 16-18 minutes until cooked through.
- Let them cool a few minutes, then thread each skewer with a meatball, tomato, and mozzarella ball.
- Arrange on a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
4) Ground Beef Stuffed Mushrooms
These ground beef stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit because they are classy-looking mushroom caps that are actually really simple to make. Mushrooms just make a dish feel fancier than the effort that it actually takes to make them, which is really good for you as a host.
Mushrooms add really good flavor and depth to any recipe, and being able to have seasoned ground beef in them is just going to really round out that flavor and bring an amazing appetizer to your party.
Ground Beef Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and remove the mushroom stems, chopping them finely.
- Brown the beef with the garlic and chopped stems, season with salt and pepper, then drain.
- Stir in the cream cheese and half the Parmesan until creamy.
- Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps and set on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and bake 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
5) Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Quesadillas are an appetizer that everyone loves, and these simple beef and cheese quesadillas are no different. What I love about serving these up for an appetizer is how you can cut them into those perfect little triangle pieces that are really easy to grab and go. If you have a side of ranch and salsa, these are definitely sure to be a hit.
And another secret is seasoning that beef with a little bit of taco seasoning because that makes these feel extra special, and that little bit of extra effort just rounds out the flavor on these wonderfully.
Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef, stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water, and simmer until thickened.
- Sprinkle cheese over half of each tortilla, add beef, and fold over.
- Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each quesadilla 2-3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
Notes
6) Italian Beef Crostini
These Italian beef crostini are simply toasty mini bread rounds that take an ordinary baguette to party status. What makes these so nice is that they are in an individualized format, which makes them very appealing to just grab and enjoy. It allows your guests to really build up a plate with different flavors, having these as part of your spread.
Italian Beef Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F, brush baguette slices with olive oil, and toast 6 minutes.
- Brown the beef, stir in marinara and Italian seasoning, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Spoon the beef onto each toast and top with provolone.
- Return to the oven 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
7) Beef-Stuffed Jalapeños
When you think of jalapeños at a party, you right away think of jalapeño poppers. But instead, these are beef-stuffed jalapeños. And they are going to take your party to another level that just keeps your guests reaching for another, rather than these being overwhelming.
Taking out the seeds of the jalapeños really tames down the heat on them, and the beef in these helps tame it down as well and really round out the flavor. This is going to be one of those appetizers that everyone is asking you to make.
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Beef-Stuffed Jalapeños
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and arrange jalapeno halves on a baking sheet.
- Brown the beef with the chopped bacon and garlic powder, then drain.
- Off the heat, stir in cream cheese and half the cheddar until creamy.
- Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half and top with remaining cheddar.
- Bake 20-22 minutes until the peppers soften and the cheese is golden.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
8) Teriyaki Beef Pineapple Bites
These teriyaki beef pineapple bites are like a flavor explosion in your mouth. They are sweet, savory, and a pleasantly sticky bite-sized food that your guests are going to keep coming back for. If you have not tried this flavor combination, it is definitely one that you want to give a go.
Teriyaki Beef Pineapple Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix beef, breadcrumbs, and egg, then roll into small meatballs and bake 16-18 minutes.
- Simmer teriyaki sauce and brown sugar in a pan until slightly thickened.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the glaze to coat.
- Skewer each meatball with a pineapple chunk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
9) Beef and Spinach Phyllo Cups
These beef and spinach phyllo cups are a visually impressive appetizer that is actually really easy to pull off. They are crispy, and they look amazing. A shortcut with this recipe would be to buy the phyllo cups already pre-made versus trying to mess with the filo dough, especially if you're in a hurry.
This is a recipe that will fool people because it looks so much harder than it is. The beef and spinach just come together wonderfully, and your guests are going to appreciate this one.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and arrange phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Brown the beef with the garlic, then stir in spinach until wilted and season with oregano.
- Off the heat, fold in the feta.
- Spoon the filling into each phyllo cup.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until heated through and the cups crisp up.
- Serve warm.
Notes
10) Southwestern Beef Rolls
These southwestern beef rolls are pinwheel-shaped roll-ups with a strong southwestern flavor that your guests are really going to appreciate. Pinwheel roll-ups are just really fun for a party. They're fun to make, and your guests are going to actually enjoy eating them just because of the presentation.
Southwestern Beef Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef with the chili powder and cumin, then drain.
- Stir in the black beans and cook 2 minutes until heated through.
- Spread the warm beef mixture over each tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese and cilantro.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly and let it sit seam-side down for a minute.
- Slice into 1-inch rounds and secure with picks if needed.
Notes
11) Beef and Bean Dip
This beef and bean dip is an appetizer that you definitely want to serve warm, and it's going to be the standout of any snack table it's a part of. It is a scoopable dip, and I love serving this type of dip with Tostitos scoop chips because you can just get a good hearty amount on that chip, and it is something everyone enjoys. You can also put out bread and veggies to allow your guests to dip whatever they prefer.
Beef and Bean Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Brown the beef, stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water, and simmer 3 minutes.
- Spread refried beans in a baking dish, top with the beef, then the salsa.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Scatter green onions over the top and serve with chips.
Notes
12) Beef and Cheddar Sliders
Sliders are so fun to make, and I love using Hawaiian rolls as slider buns. They have that perfect sweet flavor that just really brings these together, and it is an appetizer.
Cut your beef with a small glass for consistent sizes and cut your cheddar into small squares to put on each one, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to let them melt perfectly and everyone is going to love this one!
Beef and Cheddar Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and place the bottom buns in a baking dish.
- Brown the beef with the onion, season with salt and pepper, then drain.
- Spread the beef over the buns and lay cheddar slices on top.
- Add the top buns, then brush with butter mixed with garlic powder and sesame seeds.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover for 5 more until golden.
- Slice apart and serve warm.
Notes
13) Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
These Korean beef lettuce wraps are a crispy and crunchy appetizer that has a stickiness and perfect amount of sweetness that feels like a reward. These are another dish that looks really impressive, but they're not that hard to put together. Korean flavors are not that complicated to do, and they add so much to a simple meal that you will really be surprised.
Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef with the garlic over medium-high heat.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then simmer until glossy.
- Spoon the beef into individual lettuce leaves.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve right away while the lettuce is crisp.
Notes
14) Garlic Beef Pinwheels
These garlic beef pinwheels are buttery, garlicky spirals that are another dish that looks a lot harder to make than they actually are. That garlic flavor is really easy to be heavy-handed with, but it can totally throw off the balance of this meal, with any meal for that matter. So use it sparingly, taste as you go, and see how you like it.
Garlic Beef Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet.
- Brown the beef with the garlic, season with salt and pepper, then drain and cool slightly.
- Unroll the crescent dough, spread the beef over it, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Roll the dough up from the long side and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Place cut-side up on the sheet, brush with garlic butter, and bake 14-16 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
15) Parmesan Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Parmesan beef stuffed peppers are very vibrant and colorful. So when they are a part of your spread, they are an appetizer that people are naturally going to lean toward just because they look so interesting.
You will be getting compliments on this before anyone's even tasted it. Parmesan is going to give you that perfect cheesy flavor to your beef that really rounds it out.
Parmesan Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and arrange pepper halves on a baking sheet.
- Brown the beef, stir in marinara and Italian seasoning, and simmer 3 minutes.
- Off the heat, mix in the Parmesan.
- Spoon the filling into each pepper half and top with mozzarella.
- Bake 20-22 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
16) Beef Taquitos with Salsa
This one is the classic game day snack in our household. We just love them and so do the kids. They are crispy, they're rolled, and they are perfect for dipping. If you like, I recommend doing different heat levels on your salsa. I tend to make a kid-friendly one, so more like a pico with very little jalapeno pieces in it, and then a much spicier salsa for the adults.
Beef Taquitos with Salsa
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet.
- Brown the beef, stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water, then mix in the cheese off the heat.
- Warm the tortillas so they roll without cracking, spoon beef onto each, and roll up tightly.
- Place seam-side down on the sheet and brush with oil.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Serve hot with salsa for dipping.
Notes
17) Thai Beef Spring Rolls
These spring rolls are light and fresh, and they are perfect when paired with a peanut dip. The really fun part about spring rolls is being able to add so much variety to your filling.
You can try your beef with little sprigs of carrots, cabbage, or lettuce. You can really make these customizable, but this Thai flavor is what sets them apart and is one you and your guests will enjoy.
Thai Beef Spring Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef, then stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar; cook until glossy and cool slightly.
- Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water until pliable and lay it flat.
- Add beef, shredded carrots, and a few mint leaves near one edge.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and slice each roll in half.
- Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.