The morning my Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy was born, I was hosting an impromptu brunch for unexpected weekend guests. With limited time and a desire to create something memorable, I found myself staring into my refrigerator at leftover taco meat from the night before, some puff pastry in the freezer, and the usual breakfast staples. Rather than serving the standard scrambled eggs or pancakes, inspiration struck—why not create a savory breakfast pastry that would feel special and different?

This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and cheese all wrapped in flaky puff pastry, then topped with a rich country gravy. It’s essentially comfort food in pastry form—the kind of dish that makes people’s eyes widen when you bring it to the table, yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

What makes this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy truly special is how it transforms basic ingredients into something that feels restaurant-worthy. My brother-in-law, who typically grabs nothing more than coffee for breakfast, actually went back for seconds. The combination of the crisp, buttery pastry with the savory filling creates these wonderful textural contrasts, while the gravy adds that final touch of indulgence that elevates the entire dish.

Over time, this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy has become my signature dish for holiday breakfasts and special occasions—though honestly, it’s simple enough for a weekend morning when you want to make breakfast feel a little more special. Let me walk you through creating this showstopper that’s guaranteed to wake up everyone’s taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy

This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy looks incredibly impressive but uses simple, readily available ingredients
The Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy can be partially prepared the night before, making morning assembly quick and easy
It’s perfect for using up leftover ground beef from dinner the night before
The Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy serves a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunches
Each slice of Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy delivers a complete, satisfying meal in one hand
This versatile recipe can be adapted based on what vegetables and cheeses you have available
The homemade gravy takes this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy to the next level of comfort food bliss

Ingredients for Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy

For the Strudel

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Tips:

For the ground beef, use an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor without being too greasy
The puff pastry should be cold but pliable—thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results
Feel free to customize the cheese blend based on what you prefer or have on hand—pepper jack adds a nice kick!

Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy

Prepare the Filling

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
Once the beef is no longer pink, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk until well combined.
In a non-stick skillet, scramble the eggs over medium-low heat until just set but still slightly moist. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until well incorporated.

Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy mixed

Assemble the Strudel

On a lightly floured surface, place one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out to a 12×14-inch rectangle.
Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon the filling mixture down the center of the pastry, leaving about 3 inches of pastry on either side and 1 inch at the ends.
Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to the same size and place it over the filling.
Pinch the edges of the top and bottom pastry sheets together to seal, then fold the edges under to create a neat seam.
Use a sharp knife to cut 5-6 diagonal slits on top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the entire surface with the egg wash, then sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if using.

Bake the Strudel

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Prepare the Gravy

While the strudel is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux, being careful not to let it brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Keep warm until ready to serve, adding a splash more milk if it becomes too thick.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the strudel into 2-inch portions.
Serve each slice with a generous drizzle of warm gravy and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.

Emma’s Kitchen Notes for Perfect Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy

The key to flaky pastry is keeping it cold until right before baking. If your kitchen is warm or you find the pastry becoming too soft during assembly, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate in an airtight container. In the morning, simply assemble and bake. The pastry will actually work better when you’re handling it less and keeping it cool.
Prevent soggy bottoms by making sure your filling isn’t too wet. If there’s excess moisture in your beef mixture, drain it well before adding to the pastry.
Storage instructions: Leftover Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crisp pastry. The gravy can be stored separately and reheated on the stovetop with a little extra milk to thin as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought puff pastry?

Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry makes this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy quick and convenient, you can certainly use homemade pastry if you prefer. A homemade rough puff pastry or even a pie crust would work, though the texture will be different. If using homemade, make sure to roll it to about ¼-inch thickness to ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy is wonderfully versatile. Ground pork, turkey, or chicken all work beautifully as alternatives to beef. For a vegetarian version, you could use a plant-based ground meat substitute, or try a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices. Each variation will give the strudel a different character while still maintaining that hearty, satisfying quality.

Can I freeze this strudel for later?

Yes! This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy freezes very well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked: Assemble the strudel, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked: Allow to cool completely, wrap individual portions, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. I recommend making fresh gravy on the day of serving for the best texture.

What should I serve with this strudel?

While this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit for brightness, a simple green salad for lightness, or roasted breakfast potatoes if you’re serving a very hungry crowd. For a special brunch, serve alongside mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary.

My gravy has lumps. How can I fix it?

Lumps in gravy usually happen when the flour clumps during the initial roux stage or when the milk is added too quickly. If your gravy for the Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy develops lumps, don’t worry! Strain it through a fine mesh sieve, or blend it with an immersion blender. To prevent lumps in the future, make sure your roux is smooth before adding liquid, and whisk constantly while gradually adding the milk.

Conclusion: Why This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy Will Be Your New Brunch Star

This Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy has become my secret weapon for making any morning feel special—without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something magical about bringing a golden, puffed pastry to the table and slicing into it to reveal the savory filling inside. That moment never fails to impress guests and make family members put down their phones to pay attention to what’s for breakfast.

What I love most about this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy is its versatility. The basic format—savory filling encased in puff pastry with gravy—can be endlessly customized based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Once you master the technique, you can create your own variations that just might become new family favorites—just like the make-ahead ease of crispy golden ham & cheese breakfast muffins.

If you enjoyed this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy recipe, you might also like:

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Pasta – creamy and comforting, ideal for brunch or dinner
French Onion Butter Rice – the ultimate savory side that pairs beautifully with any breakfast bake
Shrimp Rice Bowl – light and flavorful, great for balancing out a hearty start to your day

Have you tried making this Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy? What fillings would you include in your version? I’d love to hear about your breakfast adventures in the comments below!

Beefy Breakfast Strudel with Gravy