Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with these tantalizing Spicy Beef Empanadas, a delightful dish originating from the heart of Hispanic cuisine, perfect for a weeknight indulgence or any occasion where you crave a taste of South American flair! This recipe, originally featured in Bon Appétit’s February 1992 issue, promises a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. With a preparation time of just 1 hour and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 12 minutes, you’ll be savoring these mouthwatering treats in no time!
🕒 Cooking Time: 12 minutes
🕒 Preparation Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Featuring a harmonious blend of ingredients, including olive oil, lean ground beef, green bell pepper, garlic, raisins, red wine vinegar, all-purpose flour, ground allspice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh cilantro, each element contributes to the rich tapestry of flavors that make these empanadas truly unforgettable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting these delectable Spicy Beef Empanadas:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until the beef loses its pink color and the vegetables begin to soften, breaking up the beef with a fork, approximately 6 minutes.
- Stir in the raisins, red wine vinegar, all-purpose flour, ground allspice, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
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Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface to form a 4-inch circle.
- Brush half of the dough edge with the glaze.
- Place a rounded tablespoon of the prepared filling on one half of the dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-circle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edge decoratively.
- Repeat the process with the remaining biscuit dough, filling, and glaze.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled empanadas on a heavy, large baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 12 minutes.
These Spicy Beef Empanadas are best served warm, allowing the cheesy filling to ooze deliciously with each bite. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or even a main course, these empanadas are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking, making them a convenient option for busy schedules or entertaining guests. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to delight your senses with the irresistible flavors of these homemade Spicy Beef Empanadas!
