Cheesy Beef Empanadas

Sure, here’s a recipe for cheesy beef empanadas:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Instructions:

1. Make the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro if using.

3. Assemble the empanadas:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a large glass, cut out circles of dough.
3. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

4. Serve and enjoy:

1. Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

These cheesy beef empanadas are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a main course served with a side salad. Enjoy!