Hearty Beef Turnovers

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Hearty beef turnovers feature seasoned ground beef combined with pizza sauce and cottage cheese, wrapped in a flaky biscuit-like crust, making a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp. instant minced onion
  • 2/3 c. milk
  • 1 (8 oz.) can pizza sauce
  • 2 c. flour
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/3 c. shortening
  • 1 c. cream-style cottage cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in pizza sauce, instant minced onion, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes and then cool.
  3. Prepare dough by mixing flour, baking powder, and shortening until crumbly.
  4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
  5. Place a spoonful of beef mixture and a dollop of drained cottage cheese onto each circle.
  6. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, store-bought pie crust can be used instead of making the dough from scratch. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these hearty turnovers. Remember to let the filling cool before assembling to prevent soggy dough.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty beef turnovers are perfect as a main dish paired with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. They also make excellent appetizers for gatherings. Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor. They are a great complement to recipes like Sunday Night Chili or can be enjoyed on their own.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated directly from the freezer.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hearty Beef Turnovers contains roughly 912 calories, with 29g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

912 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29g 58% DV
Total Fat 68.2g 87% DV
Carbs 46.5g 17% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 17.5g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 954.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 613.5mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 64.2mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 84.4mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 10.4mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 278.1mg 21% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

If you don't have cottage cheese on hand, ricotta cheese is a great substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.

How do I know when the turnovers are done baking?

The turnovers are done when they are golden brown and have a nice flaky texture. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean from the filling. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

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).

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