Description
Cheeseburger Pockets are a delicious and handheld twist on the classic cheeseburger. These baked pockets are filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of ketchup, mustard, and spices all encased in a soft biscuit or pizza dough. Perfect for a kid-friendly dinner, snack, or party appetizer, they’re easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dough and Topping
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease to avoid soggy pockets.
- Season Beef: Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook together for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheddar cheese, so it melts lightly but stays integrated.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Flatten each biscuit or portion of pizza dough into about a 5-inch circle. This will form the base of your pockets.
- Fill and Seal Pockets: Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges tightly together to seal the contents inside, preventing leaks during baking.
- Egg Wash and Toppings: Place the sealed pockets seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine when baked. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top, ensuring the dough is cooked through and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pockets to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with pickles, dipping sauces, or a side of fries for a complete meal.
Notes
- These pockets can be made ahead of time and frozen. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.
- Customize the filling by adding pickles, crispy bacon, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- Use pizza dough for a chewier texture or biscuit dough for a fluffier pocket.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust; omit for a more rustic finish.
