Ingredients:
For the Dough:
All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), chilled and cubed
Cold Water: 1 cup
Egg Yolk: 1 (for egg wash)
Milk: 1 tablespoon (for egg wash)
For the Filling (Savory Beef):
Ground Beef: 1 pound
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Bell Pepper: 1 small, finely chopped
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2, chopped (optional)
Green Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced (optional)
Raisins: 1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry
cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball,
wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and
translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and bell pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and cook
until browned.
Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until
the flavors are well combined. If using, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, green olives, and raisins.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (4-6
inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-
moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to make the egg wash. Brush the tops of the
empanadas with the egg wash.
Bake the Empanadas:
Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes,
or until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.