Description

These empanadas are so versatile, they can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. They are crispy on the outside with a cheese and savory filling on the inside.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1/2 t. ground cumin
• 1/2 t. chili powder or chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 4 oz. diced green chiles
• 4 oz. diced pimento peppers
• 2 T. tomato paste
• 1/2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 store bought refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, whisked
• guacamole, for serving

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll pie crusts on a clean, flat surface. Use a 3 inch round pastry cutter to cut circles from the dough. Combine the scraps, roll out, and cut circles again, if desired.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef; discard excess grease; stir in onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, green chiles, and pimento peppers; saute 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and the cheese. Remove from heat.