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High Protein Cheeseburger Pockets (Easy Baked Hand Pies)

Two golden baked high protein cheeseburger pockets on a white plate, one cut open to show the savory ground beef filling.

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Make satisfying, high-protein cheeseburger pockets using lean ground beef and a simple dough. These baked hand pies deliver classic burger flavor in a portable format.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or use a high-protein dough alternative)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Ketchup and mustard, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, blended cottage cheese, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.
  4. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or a plate to cut out large circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter). You should get about 6 to 8 circles depending on the size.
  5. Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
  6. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pocket completely. This seals in the flavor.
  7. Place the sealed pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you are using them.
  8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
  9. Let the high protein lunch ideas cool slightly on the pan before serving. Serve immediately with ketchup and mustard for dipping.

Notes

  • For a lower-carb option, substitute the pie crusts with low-carb tortilla wraps or a homemade protein dough base.
  • To make the cottage cheese smooth for binding, pulse it in a food processor or blender until completely creamy before adding it to the meat.
  • You can prepare these ground beef and cheese recipes ahead of time; assemble the pockets, place them on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

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