Ingredients
• The Dough: 1 package (2 sheets) Refrigerated Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll dough.
• The Filling:
• 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (leaned is better here to avoid soggy pastry).
• 1 large Green Bell Pepper (finely diced).
• 1 small Onion (finely diced).
• The Cheese: 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for that perfect melt).
• Seasoning: 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper to taste.
• The Glaze: 1 Egg (beaten) for an egg wash and a sprinkle of dried parsley or green onions for garnish.
Preparation Steps
1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onions and green peppers until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are tender. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
2. Season: Stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly (this prevents the pastry from melting prematurely).
3. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry and cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (8 squares total).
4. Assemble: Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture into the center of each square. Top with a heavy handful of cheese.
5. Fold & Seal: Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a “pocket” or a rectangle. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly so no cheese escapes.
6. The Golden Finish: Place the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
7. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
Tips for “Grandson-Approved” Results
• Avoid the Sogginess: Make sure the meat mixture is relatively dry and cooled before putting it on the dough. If it’s too hot or greasy, the bottom of the pastry won’t crisp up.
• Extra Kick: Since you liked the Jalapeño Sourdough, try adding a few red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra depth.
• Kid-Friendly Veggies: If you have picky eaters, you can grate the peppers and onions so they melt into the meat and become “invisible” while still providing all that flavor.