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 (Chopped; source gives 1–2 peppers; optional)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 0.5 tsp chili powder (Source also refers to this 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
• 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 as a topping)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (Shredded; used as a topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat until hot.

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, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin powder, and red chili flakes. Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.

5. 5

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

6. 6

   Pour in 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 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 (200°C).

9. 9

   Cut the tortillas 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 (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact sealing technique or how much mozzarella is reserved for the filling versus the topping. It also does not state a finished internal temperature for the beef; ensure the beef is cooked through before assembling.

Nutrition per serving

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