Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas - A Delicious Latin American Treat
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that is loved by people all over the world. These savory pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of beef, cheese, and spices, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients (for 12 empanadas):

For the dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water

For the filling:

- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure the butter is chilled before using it in the dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Don't overfill the empanadas, or they may burst open during baking.
- Brush the empanadas with an egg wash before baking to give them a golden brown color.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water and stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it is smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
7. Spoon a tablespoon of the beef mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
8. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
9. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with an egg wash.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
Appearance and Taste:
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying snack that are perfect for any occasion. The golden brown crust is flaky and buttery, while the filling is savory and flavorful. The combination of beef, cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that is sure to please any palate.
Type of Dish: Savory Pastry
Main Ingredients: Beef, Cheese, Dough
In conclusion, Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a must-try dish for anyone who loves Latin American cuisine. With their delicious filling and flaky crust, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of these savory pastries today!