Beef Empanadas
Cuisine: Mexican
Categories: Tacos & Wraps & Beef
Recipe Source: Paint The Kitchen Red
These Beef Empanadas are little pockets of savory perfection! Imagine a flaky, golden-brown pastry crust filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. Each bite is an explosion of taste and texture, with the crispy crust giving way to a juicy and savory filling. These empanadas are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. They're great for parties, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and portable treat.

Difficulty: EASY
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size: 24 empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 Tbsp raisins
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 4 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp chopped green olives
- 2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- 4 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 large egg beaten
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet and saute onions over medium heat until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until beef is browned.
- Add raisins, paprika, cumin, and salt, and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste, parsley, olives, diced tomatoes and jalapenos and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Allow filling to cool.
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unroll 1 pie crust onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll into a 15-inch circle.
- Cut into 4-inch circles.
- Brush circle lightly with beaten egg.
- Place a rounded tablespoon of meat mixture in the center of circle.
- Fold circle in half and seal edges with a fork.
- Place empanada on a baking sheet and brush top with beaten egg.
- Repeat procedure with remaining circles (about 24 to 30 circles), re-rolling dough scraps as needed.
- Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.