Description
Savory ground beef empanadas blend Latin American comfort with irresistible cheese-filled pastry pockets. Crisp golden shells cradle spiced meat, promising a delightful bite that will transport you straight to culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) diced jalapenos (optional, for spice)
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces (226 grams) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), ensuring a perfectly crisp environment for the empanadas.
- In a generously sized skillet, transform the ground beef over medium heat, incorporating finely chopped onions and garlic until the meat loses its raw appearance. Eliminate excess lipids by draining thoroughly.
- Elevate the meat’s flavor profile by sprinkling a harmonious blend of cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Thoroughly intermingle the spices with the meat mixture.
- Introduce vibrant tomato sauce and zesty jalapeños to the skillet, stirring meticulously. Allow the mixture to meld and develop depth by simmering gently for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Establish a pristine work surface with a light dusting of flour. Carefully unfurl the pie crust and utilize a 4-inch circular cutter or improvised round template to craft precise dough circles, extracting approximately four from each crust.
- Initiate the assembly process by delicately moistening the dough’s perimeter with water to facilitate a secure seal.
- Strategically position a modest portion of shredded cheese and approximately ¼ cup of the seasoned beef mixture at the circle’s center.
- Execute a precise fold, transforming the circle into an elegant half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly with fork tines to create a decorative and functional seal.
- Craft an egg wash by whisking an egg with water, then tenderly brush the empanadas’ surface to achieve a lustrous, golden finish.
- Arrange the prepared empanadas on a lined baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust develops a beautiful golden-brown complexion.
- After removing from the oven, allow a brief cooling period. Serve these delectable parcels alongside complementary condiments like salsa, guacamole, or cooling sour cream for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and chili powder according to personal heat tolerance.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternatives.
- Prep empanadas ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient future meals; add extra 5-7 minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Use store-bought pie crust for quick assembly or make homemade dough for authentic texture and flavor enhancement.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg