BEEF EMPANADAS WITH PUFF PASTRY RECIPES

Steps:

• Sprinkle steaks with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, brown steaks in 1 tablespoon oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and refrigerate until chilled., In the same skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in remaining oil until tender. Stir in remaining salt and pepper; cool to room temperature., Preheat oven to 425°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 14x9-1/2-in. rectangle. Cut into two 7-in. squares (use scraps to make decorative cutouts if desired). Place a steak in the center of each square; top with mushroom mixture. Lightly brush pastry edges with water. Bring opposite corners of pastry over steak; pinch seams to seal tightly., Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Cut four small slits in top of pastry. Arrange cutouts over top if desired. Brush with egg., Bake 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°).

Steps:

• Position 2 racks in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it starts to shimmer, add the beef, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the edges and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the beef to a medium bowl and set aside. Add the garlic, onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. 
• Add the vegetables to the bowl with the beef and toss to combine. Allow to cool slightly. Fold in the provolone cubes. Lightly beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl and set aside. 
• Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 12-inch square. Cut out 9 rounds with a 4-inch round cookie cutter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat filling just off center on each round. Brush the edge of each round with the egg wash and fold the puff pastry over the filling, slightly stretching if necessary. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal. 
• Transfer the empanadas one of the prepared baking sheets and brush each with more egg wash. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry sheet, filling and egg wash. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 15 minutes. 
• Meanwhile, combine the cheese sauce, pepperoncini and juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat until hot. 
• Serve the empanadas with the cheese sauce for dipping.