Baked 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)
• 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 (Also referred to as red chili powder in the method)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 0.75 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil (For cooking the filling)
• 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 for topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. 2

   Once the oil is hot, 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 mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin powder, and red chili flakes. Mix well to combine.

5. 5

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

6. 6

   Add the water. 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 Serrano pepper. 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.

10. 10

    Cut the tortillas in half if they have not already been prepared.

11. 11

    Place shredded mozzarella in the center of each tortilla half.

12. 12

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

13. 13

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

14. 14

    Grease a circular baking dish with garlic butter.

15. 15

    Arrange the prepared tortilla pockets in the greased baking dish.

16. 16

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

17. 17

    Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

The source does not specify how much mozzarella is reserved for filling versus topping, or how the tortilla pockets are sealed. Use the listed cheese across both purposes and seal the folded edges securely. Serrano pepper is optional.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• baked
• beef
• cheesy
• tortilla
• family-friendly