Mini Beef Empanadas

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE DOUGH:

• 1 cup boiling water

• 4 tbsp butter (plus more for brushing tops)

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 cups flour

FOR THE FILLING:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 1/4 cup of corn

• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite type)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To create the dough - add 1 cups boiling water, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1tbsp salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir until melted and let cool until room temperature

2. Once mixture is cooled, stir in 3 cups flour with a wooden spoon. Remove from bowl, place on a floured board, and kneed until firm. If the mixture is sticky, gradually add more flour. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375

4. To begin creating the filling, in a large skillet on medium/high heat add vegetable oil

5. Add onions and cook for 5 mins . Add garlic and cook/stir for another 2 mins

6. Add beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef into crumbles and fry until brown.

7. Take skillet off the heat and carefully drain any fat (if needed)

8. Reduce heat to medium/low and add spices, corn, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2-3 mins

9. Add tomato paste and broth - bring to a low simmer (on medium heat) to cook down liquid. Turn down heat and set aside

10. After 1 hour, remove cooled dough from from refridgerator.

11. FOLLOW PHOTO STEPS BELOW TO COMPLETE RECIPE:

STEP 1: Remove cooled dough from fridge.

STEP 2: Roll out the dough on floured board (I cut my dough into smaller sections to roll out, cut, and repeat)

STEP 3: Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches round or more)

The dough will make between 15-20 empanadas depending on the size of the cutter

STEP 4: Add filling and cheese to the dough

STEP 5: Brush the edges of the dough with melted butter (or water) to help seal them shut

STEP 6: Fold over the top of the dough and push down using a fork to create the ridges

STEP 7: Brush the tops with melted butter

STEP 8: Place all filled empanadas on a baking sheet, put into the oven and cook for about 20 mins or until golden brown