EASY TO COOK

🥟 Homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe 🧀🍖

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These Homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas are packed with savory seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden pastry. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a fun meal!

📋 Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed 🧈
  • 1 egg 🥚
  • 1/3 cup cold water 💧
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar 🍋

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 🧂
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️

For Assembly:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
  • Vegetable oil for frying (if frying) 🛢️

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  1. Mix the dough:
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  1. Add wet ingredients:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  1. Chill the dough:
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling:

  1. Cook the beef:
  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  1. Add onions and garlic:
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  1. Season:
  • Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  1. Add cheese:
  • Once cooled, stir the shredded cheese and cilantro (if using) into the beef mixture.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

  1. Roll out the dough:
  • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
  1. Fill the empanadas:
  • Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.
  1. Egg wash:
  • Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg.

4. Cook the Empanadas:

Option 1: Bake

  1. Bake the empanadas:
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Option 2: Fry

  1. Fry the empanadas:
  • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve and enjoy:
  • Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole!

⏱️ Preparation Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 50-55 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12-14 empanadas
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per empanada (baked)

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect handheld snack or meal! 🥟🍖🧀