Beef and Cheese Delight (Printable Recipe Version)
Crispy pockets packed with savory beef and gooey cheese, ideal for any meal or a party spread.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Filling Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (make it spicy if you want)
05 -
1/2 small onion, diced as finely as you can
06 -
1/4 cup (30g) green olives, chopped (optional)
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped into tiny pieces
10 -
1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
11 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
13 -
1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
→ Dough Details
14 -
1/2 cup (115g) butter, chilled and cut into cubes
15 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 -
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
17 -
1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
18 -
1 large egg, beaten and ready
→ For Putting It Together
19 -
1 tablespoon water and 1 beaten egg for the egg wash
# Steps to Make It:
01 -
Combine the flour with the salt in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix in the cold butter until it feels crumbly. Stir in the cold water and the beaten egg until it comes together as dough. If it seems dry, sprinkle in water by teaspoons. Knead briefly on a floured counter, shape into a ball, wrap in clingfilm, and chill for 30 minutes.
02 -
Warm up olive oil in a skillet, then cook onion and garlic for a couple of minutes. Toss in the beef and brown it, draining off extra grease afterward. Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir and heat for another 2 minutes. Take it off the heat, then mix in parsley, cheese, and green olives.
03 -
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles, about 4-5 inches each. Put around 2 tablespoons of filling in the middle, fold into a semi-circle, then seal by pressing the edges with a fork. Brush egg wash all over the tops.
04 -
Transfer them onto a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden and crispy.
05 -
Let them cool a touch before eating. Pair with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, and dig in.
# Extra Information:
01 -
If you'd like, you can make these beforehand, freeze unbaked, and bake straight from the freezer. Just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
02 -
Don't feel like making dough? Use pre-made empanada wrappers, pie crust, or even puff pastry.
03 -
Get creative with the filling! Mix in a handful of corn, diced peppers, or black beans to shake things up.
04 -
Don't like the oven? Deep-fry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes on both sides until they turn golden.