Beef empanadas are easy to make and can be served hot or cold, making them the perfect picnic food.
– 2 tbsp olive oil – 1 small onion, diced – 3 garlic cloves, minced – 1 hot pepper (or jalapeno if available) – 1 pound ground beef – 3 tbsp taco seasoning – 15 oz diced tomatoes – pinch of salt – pinch of ground black pepper – previously prepared pie dough – 1 egg
On the cutting board, with a sharp knife, chop the green hot pepper and the onion into small pieces. Then mince the garlic. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and green hot pepper and cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the ground beef and cook until light browned.
Stir in the taco seasoning and add the tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of a dough circle. Brush one side of the dough with water and fold it in half over the filling. Repeat the same procedure with all the remaining dough circles and filling.
Put the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush the Beef Empanadas with egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven to 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.