Cheesy Beef Empanadas:

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup cold water (more if needed)
• For the Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• For Assembly:
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
• Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and cilantro. Let the filling cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
• Place a tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges.
• Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Empanadas:

• Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Serve:

• Serve the empanadas warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa on the side.

Enjoy your Cheesy Beef Empanadas!