Description
These Delicious Empanadas are made with a flaky crust and a flavorful filling of ground beef, cheese, and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 cup tomato sauce or paste
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by taking a large bowl and combining the all-purpose flour with salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process, known as ‘cutting in,’ enriches the dough, creating a flaky texture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and white vinegar. Gradually pour this liquid into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- While the dough cools, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in tomato sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then let cool.
- After the dough has chilled, take it out and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles roughly 4–6 inches in diameter. Gather scraps and re-roll for more circles.
- Take each dough circle and place approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center. Sprinkle cheese on top, moisten edges with water, and fold over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp edges with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place empanadas on the sheet, and brush with egg wash. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a shortcut, use store-bought dough to save time on preparation. Ensure the filling is cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and cheese
- Protein: 10 g