Description
Delicious homemade Beef and Cheese Empanadas featuring a flaky buttery crust filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¾ cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut the chilled butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust water slightly if needed. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Make the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until combined.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch diameter circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake the Empanadas: Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is well chilled for a flakier dough texture.
- Adjust seasoning of filling to taste before assembling.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking; bake directly from the freezer adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Use a fork to press edges tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- For a shiny crust, do not skip brushing with the egg wash.
