Halloween Cheesy Beef Pies

Ingredients 

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 (6-ounce) can of black olives, well-drained and chopped

For the Biscuit Base:

• 1 (12-ounce) can of refrigerated biscuit dough (commonly found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 10 slices of cheese

Additional Items:

• Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing
• Flour for dusting the work surface
• Muffin tin (standard size to accommodate 10 cups)
• Rolling pin
• Sharp paring knife

Directions

Step 1:  Setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it reaches the desired temperature by the time you're ready to bake the muffin cups.

Step 2: 

Place a large skillet over medium heat; add the 1 ½ pounds of ground beef and 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet.

Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is well-browned and crumbly, which should take approximately 10 minutes.

Incorporate 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder into the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Pour in 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, add 1 cup of shredded carrots, and mix in 1 (6-ounce) can of chopped black olives.

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat slightly, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. During this time, the mixture will thicken, and the carrots will become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3:

Sprinkle a light dusting of flour onto your clean work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.

Open the 12-ounce can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit, taking care not to tear them.

Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each biscuit into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Carefully press each flattened biscuit into the greased muffin cups, ensuring they adhere to the sides and bottom. This will form the base and walls of your muffin cups.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the biscuit cups until they become lightly golden brown, which should take around 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the biscuit cups to cool slightly. Then, pop each biscuit cup out of the tin and place them onto a flat baking sheet to hold their shape while filling.

Step 4: Take the 10 slices of cheese and use a knife to slice each into a 3-inch circle.

For a fun twist, especially suitable for festive occasions like Halloween, use the knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces into each cheese circle.

Step 5: Finely chop any leftover pieces of  cheese and mix them into the prepared beef mixture. This adds extra cheesiness and flavor to the filling.

Spoon the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture into each biscuit-lined muffin cup until they are generously filled.

Place a cheese circle on top of each filled muffin cup, covering the surface of the meat mixture.

Step 6: Place the assembled muffin cups back into the oven.

Bake them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese toppings begin to soften and melt slightly, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

Useful Tips:

1. Vegetable Options: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to diversify the filling.
2. Cheese Variations:Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
3. Spice Level:Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.

This detailed recipe ensures a flavorful and satisfying dish that's sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your homemade cheesy beef and veggie muffin cups!