Smoky Chipotle Beef Empanadas

Smoky Chipotle Beef Empanadas - A Delicious and Flavorful Appetizer
If you're looking for a delicious and flavorful appetizer, look no further than these Smoky Chipotle Beef Empanadas. These empanadas are packed with smoky chipotle flavor and tender beef, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients (makes 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. 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, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
5. Add the tomato paste, chipotle in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
9. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
10. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
These Smoky Chipotle Beef Empanadas are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are packed with flavor and have a deliciously crispy crust. The smoky chipotle flavor of the beef filling is perfectly balanced with the fresh cilantro, making these empanadas a crowd-pleaser. Try them out for your next party or gathering and watch them disappear in no time!
Type of dish: Appetizer

Main ingredients:

- Ground beef
- Chipotle in adobo sauce
- Cilantro