Description

Golden, flaky pockets stuffed with seasoned beef and gooey mozzarella cheese, served with a side of tangy tomato sauce and fluffy rice—this dish is the ultimate comfort meal! It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Mozzarella Pockets

350g ground beef
1 large egg
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
30g grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
100g mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Pre-made dough (such as pizza dough or puff pastry)

For the Tomato Sauce

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

1 cup rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

Combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

2. Shape the Pockets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the pre-made dough on a floured surface and cut into squares or circles.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each piece of dough, then top with a cube of mozzarella cheese.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

3. Bake the Pockets

Arrange the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the beef is cooked through.

4. Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

5. Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and salt.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Assemble and Serve

Serve the baked beef and mozzarella pockets with the tomato sauce on the side.
Add a serving of rice to complete the meal. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Customizable Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes to the beef mixture for a kick.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired