Cheesy Beef Pockets

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, 80% lean and 20% fat
• 1 onion (Finely diced)
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic (Minced)
• 1 cup bell pepper (Chopped)
• 1.5 Serrano pepper (1–2 peppers, chopped; optional)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 0.5 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 0.75 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 large tortillas (Cut in half)
• 3 tbsp butter or garlic butter (For greasing the baking dish and brushing the tops)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (Shredded; used inside and on top)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (Shredded; used as a topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the diced onion and minced fresh garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, until it changes color.

4. 4

   Season the beef with salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, red chili flakes, black pepper, and cumin powder. Mix well to combine.

5. 5

   Add the tomato paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the water and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the water is almost evaporated.

7. 7

   Add the chopped bell pepper and optional chopped Serrano peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat and set the beef filling aside.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

10. 10

    Cut the four tortillas in half. Place shredded mozzarella in the center of each tortilla half.

11. 11

    Add 2–3 tablespoons of the cooked beef filling to each tortilla half.

12. 12

    Fold and seal each tortilla half to form a triangle. Repeat until all tortilla halves are filled with cheese and beef.

13. 13

    Grease a circular baking dish with garlic butter.

14. 14

    Arrange the prepared tortilla pockets in the baking dish.

15. 15

    Brush the tops with more butter, then sprinkle them with the remaining mozzarella and the cheddar cheese.

16. 16

    Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

The source does not specify how the tortilla pockets are sealed or arranged in the circular dish beyond forming triangles and arranging them. The listed 1.5 Serrano peppers represents the source's optional range of 1–2 peppers; use none, one, or two according to taste.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• baked
• beef
• cheesy
• tortilla
• spicy
• party food