Chili Pockets Recipes

READY-TO-GO CHILI PACKETS

Steps:

• In a large, heavy pot, brown the ground beef with the garlic over medium heat until the beef is totally cooked, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off most of the excess fat, leaving a little behind for moisture and flavor. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne. Stir together well, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally; if the liquid level seems low, add up to 1 cup water to keep it from burning.
• After an hour, stir in the kidney and pinto beans. In a small bowl, combine the masa harina with 1/2 cup water and stir together with a fork until it's smooth. Pour the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, then taste the chili and adjust the seasonings. Simmer the chili for another 10 minutes to thicken, then turn off the heat and let it cool.
• Fill freezer bags with 2-cup portions and freeze them flat for easy stacking (or freeze in other freezer-safe containers). Thaw and use the chili packets in your favorite chili dog, chili cheeseburger or chili nacho recipes.

CHILI PIE POCKETS

Steps:

• In Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook beef in oil 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown. Add onion, celery and bell pepper. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked and vegetables begin to soften.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano and sugar. Cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes and beans. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Remove pie crusts from pouches; unroll on lightly floured work surface. Using rolling pin, roll out crusts slightly. Using a bowl as a pattern, cut 3 large rounds from each crust; discard scraps.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup chili on half of each round. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Fold dough over filling and press edges together, forming half circle; press with tines of fork to seal. With sharp knife, cut 2 to 3 slits in top of dough to allow steam to escape. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• In small bowl, beat egg and water with fork or whisk. Brush over dough.
• Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.