Name: Beef Empanadas With Red Pepper Goat Cheese Swirl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 250 g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the pastry.; 1 tsp (5 g) Salt: Enhances flavor and gluten development.; 150 g (2/3 cup) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed: Creates a flaky texture.; 60 ml (1/4 cup) Ice Water: Prevents gluten overdevelopment for a tender crust.; 1 Egg, Lightly Beaten: For a golden-brown and glossy finish.; 400 g (14 oz) Halal Ground Beef: The savory filling base.; 1 Medium Onion, Finely Diced (150 g / 1 cup): Aromatic base for the filling.; 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced: Adds savory depth.; 1 tsp (5 g) Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice.; 1 tsp (5 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet flavor.; ½ tsp (2 g) Chili Flakes (optional): Adds heat.; 1 tsp (5 g) Dried Oregano: Classic herb complement.; 200 g (7 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: Adds moisture and sweetness.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing and infusing.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Pitted Green Olives, Sliced: Salty and briny flavor.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Golden Raisins (optional): Adds sweetness and chewiness.; Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasoning.; 1 Large Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Chopped (150 g / 1 cup): Vibrant swirl ingredient.; 100 g (3.5 oz) Soft Goat Cheese, Halal-Certified: Tangy and creamy counterpoint.; 1 tsp (5 ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the goat cheese swirl.; Pinch of Salt: Enhances swirl flavors.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime-Infused Olive Oil: Fragrant aroma.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Fresh garnish.; Zest of 1 Lime: Bright citrus garnish.

Description

These Beef Empanadas offer a delightful blend of savory beef and tangy goat cheese, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown crust. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, they’re sure to impress with their rich flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

250 g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tenderness for the pastry.
1 tsp (5 g) Salt: Enhances flavor and gluten development.
150 g (2/3 cup) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed: Creates a flaky texture.
60 ml (1/4 cup) Ice Water: Prevents gluten overdevelopment for a tender crust.
1 Egg, Lightly Beaten: For a golden-brown and glossy finish.
400 g (14 oz) Halal Ground Beef: The savory filling base.
1 Medium Onion, Finely Diced (150 g / 1 cup): Aromatic base for the filling.
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced: Adds savory depth.
1 tsp (5 g) Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice.
1 tsp (5 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
½ tsp (2 g) Chili Flakes (optional): Adds heat.
1 tsp (5 g) Dried Oregano: Classic herb complement.
200 g (7 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: Adds moisture and sweetness.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing and infusing.
2 tbsp (30 g) Pitted Green Olives, Sliced: Salty and briny flavor.
2 tbsp (30 g) Golden Raisins (optional): Adds sweetness and chewiness.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasoning.
1 Large Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Chopped (150 g / 1 cup): Vibrant swirl ingredient.
100 g (3.5 oz) Soft Goat Cheese, Halal-Certified: Tangy and creamy counterpoint.
1 tsp (5 ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the goat cheese swirl.
Pinch of Salt: Enhances swirl flavors.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime-Infused Olive Oil: Fragrant aroma.
2 tbsp (30 g) Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Fresh garnish.
Zest of 1 Lime: Bright citrus garnish.

Instructions

Prepare Dough: Combine flour and salt, cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Hydrate Dough: Add ice water gradually, mix gently.
Chill Dough: Shape, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
Brown Beef: Cook ground beef until browned, drain fat.
Season Filling: Add cumin, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer Filling: Add tomatoes, olives, and raisins; simmer for 5 minutes.
Make Swirl: Blend roasted pepper, goat cheese, lime juice, and salt.
Roll & Cut Dough: Roll out dough and cut into circles.
Assemble Empanadas: Fill with beef and top with goat cheese swirl.
Seal & Crimp: Fold, seal, and crimp edges.
Bake Empanadas: Brush with egg wash and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.
Finish & Serve: Drizzle with lime oil, sprinkle with cilantro and zest.

Notes

For a flakier crust, ensure all ingredients are cold and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough is crucial for gluten relaxation and easier rolling.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 empanada
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: empanadas,beef,goat cheese,latin american,appetizer,comfort food,baked,savory,party food