Description
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a Latin American-inspired delight featuring a spiced ground beef and melted cheese filling, all wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown crust. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a satisfying meal, these hand-held pastries are bursting with flavor and customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, for sweet and savory flavor)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in green olives and raisins, if using. Let cool, then mix in shredded cheese.
- Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Work in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut dough into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold dough over and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake the Empanadas:
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with salsa, guacamole, or dipping sauce.
Notes
- To freeze, assemble but do not bake. Bake frozen empanadas, adding extra baking time.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add diced veggies like corn or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
