Savory Taco-filled Hand Pies - Easy & Delicious Recipe

Ingredients

• Diced 2 fresh Roma tomatoes
• White onion, finely diced to fill half a cup
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped to yield 3 tablespoons
• Jalapeno pepper, deseeded and finely diced to a quarter size
• Garlic salt, a quarter teaspoon for seasoning
• Lean ground beef weighing a pound
• Water, a quarter cup to add moisture
• Taco seasoning mix, 3 tablespoons for flavor
• Pepper Jack cheese, half a cup shredded
• Empanada wrappers, 12 pieces thawed from frozen
• Whisked egg mixed with a tablespoon of water

Step 1

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy clean-up later.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine a medley of fresh ingredients - juicy tomatoes, aromatic onion, fragrant cilantro, spicy jalapeno pepper, and a dash of garlic salt for flavor.

Step 3

Next, in a saute pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan. Mix in some water and taco seasoning, stirring until the seasonings are well incorporated and the mixture is slightly thickened. Then, add the tomato mixture and a generous sprinkling of pepper Jack cheese for a gooey, melty finish.

Step 4

Prepare a lightly floured work surface and roll out each empanada wrapper into a 6-inch circle. Spoon 1/3 cup of the beef filling onto the center of each wrapper, then fold it in half to enclose the savory filling. Seal the edges by crimping them with a fork and give each pie a couple of decorative piercings on top. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

For a golden finish, whisk together an egg wash using one egg and a splash of water. Brush this mixture over the tops of the pies, adding a beautiful shine and color to your baked creations.

Step 6

Pop the empanadas into the preheated oven and bake on the middle rack until they turn a delicious golden brown, typically around 20 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as these savory treats bake to perfection!