Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean for best flavor and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (around 8 biscuits) or homemade pizza dough for an extra special touch
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if making dough from scratch)
Substitution tips: If you prefer turkey or chicken, ground turkey works well here, though adding a bit more fat like olive oil helps keep the texture moist. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms and lentils make a hearty filling. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar depending on your family’s favorite cheese. If you want gluten-free, look for biscuit dough alternatives or try a cauliflower-based crust, though the texture will differ.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step always brings back memories of setting up baking trays with Olivia and Isabella, who love helping spread out the dough.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Break it up gently with a wooden spoon until fully browned and fragrant, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the beef cools, prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture is a nod to Nonna Rosa’s garlic bread recipe, which I’ve adapted over the years for so many dishes.
- If using biscuit dough, separate each biscuit and flatten it into a 4-inch circle. For homemade dough, roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into circles using a glass or cookie cutter.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooked beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching edges to seal tightly. I find pressing with a fork helps create a neat edge and prevents any cheesy leaks during baking.
- Place each sealed bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each generously with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. We always gather around the kitchen counter at this point, anticipation buzzing in the air, savoring that first warm bite together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
