With your ingredients at the ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to create your classic beef empanadas:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter combination.
4. Form the Dough: Gently mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
3. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Season the Beef: Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Olives and Raisins: Stir in the chopped olives and raisins, allowing them to heat through.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Remove from heat and add the chopped hard-boiled egg. Mix well and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and seal by crimping with a fork.
5. Egg Wash: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.