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)
• 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 (The method refers to this as red chili powder)
• 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 in the pockets and as a topping)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (Shredded; used as a 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 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

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

7. 7

   Add the chopped bell pepper and optional Serrano peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat and set the beef filling aside.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 400°F.

9. 9

   Cut each tortilla in half. Place shredded mozzarella in the center of each tortilla half, followed by 2–3 tablespoons of the cooked beef filling.

10. 10

    Fold and seal each tortilla half to form a triangle. Repeat with the remaining tortilla halves, mozzarella, and beef filling.

11. 11

    Grease a circular baking dish with garlic butter.

12. 12

    Arrange the prepared tortilla pockets in the greased baking dish.

13. 13

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

14. 14

    Bake at 400°F 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 beyond forming triangles and placing them in a circular baking dish. Serrano peppers are optional. The listed mozzarella is used both inside the pockets and as a topping.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• baked
• beef
• cheesy
• tortilla
• family-friendly
• spicy
• comfort food