Homemade Beef and Cheese Empanadas (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the filling
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
03 -
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
08 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 -
1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
12 -
1/4 cup (30g) chopped green olives (optional)
13 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
→ For the empanada dough
14 -
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
15 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 -
1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
17 -
1 large egg, beaten
18 -
1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
→ For assembling
19 -
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Work in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add beaten egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. If it feels dry, add more water one teaspoon at a time. Knead briefly on a floured surface, form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 -
Heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until soft (2-3 minutes). Add beef and brown it, then drain excess fat. Mix in the spices, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes more. Off heat, stir in cheese, olives, and parsley.
03 -
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough 1/8 inch thick and cut 4-5 inch circles. Place 2 tablespoons filling in each center, fold into half-moons, and seal edges with fork crimps. Brush with egg wash.
04 -
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
05 -
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
# Notes:
01 -
These empanadas can be assembled ahead and frozen unbaked. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
02 -
For a shortcut, you can use store-bought empanada dough, pie crust, or puff pastry.
03 -
Try adding corn, diced peppers, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
04 -
Alternative cooking method: Deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.