Ground Beef Empanadas (Makes 12-15)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup cold water (more if needed)

• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, helps make dough tender)

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)

• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional but traditional in many regions)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.

• Add butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Beat egg, water, and vinegar together, then mix into the flour until a dough forms.

• Knead briefly, form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until soft.

• Add ground beef, cook until browned.

• Stir in spices, tomato sauce, and optional olives/egg. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick. Let it cool.

3. Assemble Empanadas:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Roll out dough and cut into 5–6 inch circles.

• Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center, fold over into a half-moon, and crimp the edges with a fork.

• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

• Let cool slightly before serving.

👋Hey, do you want the Mango Salsa Recipe too? Tell me in the comments and I’ll post it next! 👋#recipeswithbeef #makefoodathome #food