Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Introduction:

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with savory goodness with our delectable Beef and Cheese Empanadas! These golden parcels of joy are packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a hint of spices, all encased in a flaky pastry shell. Join us as we explore the irresistible flavors and versatile appeal of Beef and Cheese Empanadas, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a satisfying meal any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, diced
• 1 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• teaspoon red pepper flakes
• teaspoon chili powder
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• 11.6 ounces 5 empanada dough such as Goya
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Meat Mixture:

1. In a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, add ground beef, onion, jalapenos, and seasonings. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain grease and return to the pan.
2. Add tomato sauce, stir, and cook for 15 minutes.

Egg Wash:

1. In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together. Set aside.

Assembling the Empanadas:

1. Wet the edges of the empanada dough lightly with water.
2. Place a small amount of cheese in the center of the empanada dough, followed by a heaping tablespoon of meat mixture, and more cheese.
3. Fold the dough in half, pinching the edge, and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.

Baking:

1. Place on a baking sheet and brush empanadas with egg wash.
2. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Prep Time: 25 minutes
4. Cooking Time: 30 minutes
5. Total Time: 55 minutes
6. Servings: 6
7. Calories: 385 per serving
8. Preheat the oven to 425F.

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm: Beef and Cheese Empanadas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is gooey and flavorful.
2. Accompaniments: Serve empanadas with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These condiments enhance the flavor and add a refreshing contrast to the savory filling.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the empanadas before serving for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a touch of vibrancy to the dish.
4. Presentation: Arrange the empanadas on a platter or serving tray, garnished with lime wedges or additional shredded cheese, for an appealing presentation that entices guests to dig in.
5. Variety: Offer a variety of empanadas with different fillings, such as chicken, vegetarian, or seafood, to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover empanadas, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the empanadas on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Freezing: Empanadas can be frozen before or after baking for longer-term storage. If freezing unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. If freezing baked empanadas, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. Frozen empanadas can be stored for up to 3 months.
4. Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For frozen baked empanadas, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
5. Batch Cooking: Consider making a large batch of empanadas and freezing them individually for convenient grab-and-go meals or snacks. This allows you to enjoy homemade empanadas anytime with minimal effort.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
   • Yes, you can customize the filling of Beef and Cheese Empanadas by using different types of cheese according to your preference. While cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is commonly used, you can experiment with options like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
2. Can I make the empanada dough from scratch?
   • Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using refrigerated pie crusts for convenience, you can certainly make the empanada dough from scratch if you prefer. There are many homemade dough recipes available online, typically made with flour, butter or shortening, salt, and water.
3. How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking filling during baking?
   • To prevent the filling from leaking out of the empanadas during baking, make sure to seal the edges tightly. Press down firmly with a fork or crimp the edges with your fingers to create a secure seal. Additionally, avoid overfilling the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open while baking.
4. Can I prepare the empanadas ahead of time and bake them later?
   • Yes, you can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover the assembled empanadas with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush them with egg wash and bake according to the recipe instructions.
5. Are Beef and Cheese Empanadas freezer-friendly?
   • Absolutely! Beef and Cheese Empanadas freeze very well, making them perfect for meal prep or make-ahead snacks. Once assembled, you can freeze the empanadas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for long-term storage. They can be baked directly from frozen, with a slightly longer baking time.

Conclusion:

Beef and Cheese Empanadas offer a delightful combination of savory flavors, flaky pastry, and gooey cheese that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a comforting meal, these handheld treats are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and indulge in the irresistible goodness of Beef and Cheese Empanadas for a culinary experience like no other!