Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the richness of beef and the creamy texture of cheese? Look no further! Today, we are excited to share with you our beef and cheese empanada recipe, a delightful treat that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that can be found in various forms and flavors across different countries. These savory pastries are usually filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, and vegetables, then sealed and baked to perfection. In this recipe, we are focusing on the mouthwatering combination of ground beef and melted cheese, which creates a deliciously satisfying filling.
Here’s what you’ll need for our beef and cheese empanada recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Now, let’s dive into the steps to make our beef and cheese empanadas:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Set the beef and cheese mixture aside to cool.
- On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion into a 12-inch circle. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 6 circles.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Sprinkle a pinch of cheese on top.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold the circle in half, and pinch the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the empanadas are baking, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve the beef and cheese empanadas hot, with a side of salsa or sour cream.
Enjoy your homemade beef and cheese empanadas, a delightful fusion of flavors that will make any meal special!
