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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the filled empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- 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.)