Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • -½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • -¼ tsp chili powder
  • -One (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • -1 Tbsp diced jalapeños (optional, for spice)
  • -½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • -½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
  • -Two boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust (4 crusts total)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Sprinkle in ground cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all spices with meat mixture.
  4. Pour in the can of tomato sauce and add jalapeños if using. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, unroll one box of pie crusts. Using a 4-inch round cutter or an upside-down bowl, cut out circles from the dough; each crust should yield about four circles. Repeat with second box.
  6. Brush a little water around the edges of each dough circle to help seal them. Place a small amount of shredded cheese (about a tablespoon) followed by roughly ¼ cup of beef filling in each circles center. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and press edges tightly together. Use a fork to crimp seals securely.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water until combined. Brush this mixture over the tops of each empanada for that golden finish during baking.
  8. Arrange empanadas on lined baking sheets spaced apart. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  9. Carefully remove from oven and allow cooling for few minutes before serving warm alongside salsa, guacamole or sour cream!