CHEESY GROUND BEEF EMPANADAS

Origin and Region:
Empanadas are believed to have originated in Spain and Portugal, but they have become a beloved dish in many Latin American countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and others. Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are particularly popular in Argentina, where they are often enjoyed as a snack or street food.

Introduction:
Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are delicious savory pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, all encased in a flaky pastry dough. These empanadas are perfect for parties, picnics, or as a tasty snack any time of the day.

Ingredients:
For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese of your choice)
  • Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream

Tips:

  • Ensure that the dough is well chilled before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
  • You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken, beans, or vegetables for variety.

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the cold water and vinegar. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
  7. Place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  8. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to enclose it, then use a fork to crimp the edges together to seal the empanadas.
  9. Place the filled empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish, if desired.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
  11. Serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas hot, with optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Description:
Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are a classic Latin American dish that features a flavorful ground beef filling encased in a crispy, golden pastry shell. These handheld treats are bursting with savory goodness, thanks to the seasoned beef and melted cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving size: 1 empanada (without optional toppings)
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 10g

(Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and serving size.)

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