Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and savory Latin American pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a blend of flavorful spices. These hand-held delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of flaky pastry and rich, savory fillings with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice-cold water
• For the Filling:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
   Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the spices are aromatic. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro (if using). Set the filling aside.
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
   Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
   Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
   Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
   Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
4. Bake the Empanadas:
   Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg wash, which will give them a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, chimichurri, or sour cream.
   These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a comforting homemade treat. Enjoy!

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or add a touch of heat with some hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.