Beef And Cheese Turnovers
Savory beef and cheese turnovers feature tender ground beef, flavorful mushrooms, and sharp Cheddar encased in flaky pastry, perfect as a hearty snack or meal for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2/3 c. lard ⓘ
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. ice water ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 small minced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk, beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in the lard using a pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle with ice water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough clings together.
- Form the dough into a smooth ball.
- Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider substituting half the lard with butter. You can also use pre-made pastry dough for a quicker option. If you want to enhance the flavor, feel free to add herbs like thyme or oregano. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with lentils or cooked quinoa, and try adding spinach or other vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turnovers warm with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch dressing. They pair nicely with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting combination, consider serving with a bowl of Beef And Barley Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For an extra crispy texture, reheat in an air fryer for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Cheese Turnovers contains roughly 1666 calories, with 65g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (130% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2575mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the turnovers before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked turnovers. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for lard in the pastry?
You can substitute lard with an equal amount of unsalted butter or shortening. For a healthier option, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the fat used.
How can I ensure my turnover crust is flaky?
To achieve a flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough. When mixing, aim for coarse crumbs and handle the dough as little as possible. Chilling the dough before rolling it out also helps maintain the flakiness, as it keeps the fat solid until baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).