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Savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delightful culinary treat that transports your taste buds to Latin America with every bite. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a hearty blend of ground beef, cheese, and aromatic spices, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the art of making these empanadas from scratch, guiding you through each step of the process while sharing insights into the ingredients and their cultural significance.

Savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Discover the mouthwatering world of savory beef and cheese empanadas with this easy-to-follow guide. From their rich history and cultural significance to mastering the perfect flaky dough and delicious filling, this article covers it all. Learn how to sauté flavorful ingredients, season your mixture, and assemble these delightful pastries. Perfect for any occasion, these empanadas are sure to impress your family and friends while bringing the taste of Latin America right to your table. Enjoy the experience of creating homemade empanadas that are a true labor of love.
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 large egg

1/2 cup cold water

1 tablespoon vinegar

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

      - In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.

        - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

          Make the Filling:

            - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

              - Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

                - Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

                  - Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro until well combined.

                    Assemble the Empanadas:

                      - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

                        - On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.

                          - Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal.

                            - Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.

                              Bake the Empanadas:

                                - Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

                                  - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

                                    Serve:

                                      - Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm, these savory treats pair wonderfully with a side of chimichurri or a zesty salsa.

                                        Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 empanadas