Description
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are savory Latin American pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a flaky, golden crust. These flavorful empanadas are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a hearty meal, and can be customized with additional ingredients like olives and raisins to suit your taste. Enjoy these crispy treats at any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Optionally, mix in green olives and raisins. Let the mixture cool, then stir in the shredded cheese until melted and the filling is cohesive.
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Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add cold butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead for 5 minutes until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
-
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut out 4-inch circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and seal edges. Use a fork to crimp edges.
-
Bake:
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush tops with a beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving with salsa, guacamole, or a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Customize the filling with bell peppers, corn, or different cheeses.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
