Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

-1 large egg

-1/4 to 1/3 cup cold water

For the Filling:

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-1 small onion, finely diced

-2 cloves garlic, minced

-1/2 pound ground beef

-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

-1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

-Salt and black pepper, to taste

-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

-1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

-1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1.Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and add it to the flour mixture, followed by the cold water (start with 1/4 cup, adding more if needed).

Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead briefly just until smooth.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2.Prepare the Beef Filling:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.

Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Remove the beef mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese is evenly incorporated.

If desired, stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro.

3.Assemble the Empanadas:

Preheat your oven to 400

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