Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 teaspoon salt 💸
1/4 cup vegetable shortening ❄️
1/4 cup warm water 💧
1 pound ground beef 🐮
1 onion, finely chopped 🍠
2 cloves garlic, minced 💡
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar) 🧀
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
Optional: paprika, cumin, or other spices to taste ❗️
Preparation Steps:
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add shortening and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until crumbly. Gradually add warm water, mixing until dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes. 🌾
2️⃣ Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten into a disk using a rolling pin. 🔄
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and shredded cheese. Mix well. 🐮
4️⃣ Place a tablespoon or two of the beef mixture onto one half of each dough disk. Fold dough in half, pressing edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges. 🧀
5️⃣ Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze. 🥚
6️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. 🔥
Notes and Tips:
Use a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even baking.
For an extra crispy crust, brush empanadas with a little water and sprinkle with sugar before baking.
Experiment with different spices or herbs in the beef mixture for unique flavors.
Empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months; bake frozen empanadas for an additional 5-7 minutes.
