Introduction
Transport your taste buds to Latin America with our Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe. These savory hand pies are filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry crust. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these empanadas are sure to delight your senses and satisfy your cravings for bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Prepare the following ingredients to create these flavorful empanadas:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough, each about 4-5 inches in diameter.
4. Fill and Seal the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef filling. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges together to seal the empanadas.
5. Bake the Empanadas
Place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, for a burst of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible flavors of these Beef and Cheese Empanadas.
Experience Latin Flavor
With our Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Latin America to your table and delight your taste buds with every bite. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these savory hand pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.