Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients
FOR THE DOUGH
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. cold butter, cut into cubes
3/4 c. water
1 large egg

FOR THE BEEF FILLING
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 c. chopped tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped pickled jalapeños
1 1/4 c. shredded Cheddar
1 1/4 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
Egg wash, for brushing
Freshly chopped green onion, for garnish
Homestyle guacamole, for serving

Directions
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut butter and add water and egg and mix until a dough forms. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 400° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon or ground beef chopper until no longer pink, 5 minutes. Drain fat.

Step 5: Return beef mixture to your pan on medium heat, and stir tomato paste into beef. Add oregano, cumin, and paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and jalapeños and cook until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Place dough on a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Roll one half out to ¼” thick. Using a 4.5” round cookie cutter (I used a sharp edged bowl), cut out rounds. Repeat with remaining dough. Reroll scraps once to cut out more rounds.

Step 7: Lightly moisten outer edge of a dough round with water and place about 2 tablespoons filling in center and top with cheddar and Monterey. Fold dough in half over filling. Use a fork to crimp edges together. Repeat with remaining filling and dough.