Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas 🌶️✨

New Recipe

Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas 🌶️✨

Ingredients:

• For the dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup cold water (add more if needed)

• For the filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder (adjust for spice level)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For assembly:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: sesame or poppy seeds for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the egg and gradually mix in the cold water until a dough forms. Knead gently, shape into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Make the filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
   • Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
   • Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in shredded cheese.

3. Assemble the empanadas:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-6 inch round cutter.
   • Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.

4. Bake:

   • Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:

   • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like chimichurri, spicy aioli, or salsa.

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Optional Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese.
• Sweet Twist: Fill with a mixture of dulce de leche and chopped nuts for dessert empanadas.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough.