Brown beef, onions and bell pepper with 1 bay leaf. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and drain completely in colander. Allow to cool.
Thaw one package of "discos de empanadas" (available at most ethnic grocery markets); or substitute your own pastry crust cut into 5-inch rounds.
Remove eight pastry discs and divide filling between all eight. Fold pastry over and crimp edges firmly.
Fry in hot(350°F) peanut or olive oil for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
