Beef Empanadas

The wonderful world of cooking is an adventure, and today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Beef Empanadas. These delightful pastries are golden pockets filled with a savory mix of spiced ground beef, fresh herbs, and a touch of comfort. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious family meal, these empanadas are sure to impress.

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Preparing Beef Empanadas might seem daunting at first, but fear not! With a little patience and some simple ingredients, you’ll create something truly special. The flaky, buttery dough pairs perfectly with the hearty filling, offering an enjoyable contrast of textures and flavors. In no time, you’ll be serving these crispy delights to family and friends, who will undoubtedly ask for seconds (or thirds!). So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this tasty journey!

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of a flaky, buttery dough with a savory, spiced ground beef filling creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a balanced taste of cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs that evoke the warmth of Latin cuisine. The ease of preparation and use of pantry staples make these beef empanadas an inviting option for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Empanadas

Beef empanadas are not just delicious; they are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main dish, these golden pastries promise to impress your family and friends. They are also easy to customize, allowing endless variations to suit your palate.

Ingredients

For the empanada dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, cold, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup ice water (plus more if needed)

For the filling:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium potato, peeled and shredded
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Make the Empanada Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by adding the flour and salt into a food processor. Pulse to mix for about 30 seconds. This step lays the foundation for your dough.

Add Butter

Next, introduce the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Pulse until it resembles small breadcrumbs, which should take about 1 minute. This is where the magic of flaky pastry begins!

Incorporate Egg and Water

Now, add the egg and ice water and pulse again until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. If necessary, don’t hesitate to add more ice water, one tablespoon at a time.

Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling time is important for the dough to firm up and ensures a flakier texture.

Prepare the Filling

Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Browning adds depth to your filling.

Add Vegetables and Spices

Mix in the diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine those flavors! This is where the aroma from your kitchen will begin to entice everyone nearby.

Incorporate Potatoes and Tomato Paste

Now, add the shredded potato, tomato paste, and beef broth to the mixture. Reduce the heat to low and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Simmer

Let the filling simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows it to thicken beautifully. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Assemble and Fold the Empanadas

Roll Out Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, cutting it into 6-inch circles. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.

Fill the Dough

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill; this helps keep your empanadas intact.

Seal the Empanadas

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. You might want to use a bit of water or egg wash if needed to ensure it sticks well.

Create Decorative Edges

For a special touch, fold small sections of the sealed edge over itself, creating a rope-like design until you reach the end. Tucking the last pleat under helps seal everything perfectly.

Arrange for Baking

Place your empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a tea towel to keep the dough moist while the oven finishes heating.

Bake the Empanadas

Brush with Egg Wash

Gently brush each empanada with the beaten egg. This step will give them a lovely golden color as they bake.

Bake

Now, it’s time for the oven! Bake your empanadas for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beef empanadas hot, ideally paired with salsa or guacamole for an added kick. They also shine as an appetizer or stand alone alongside a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is very cold for the dough to remain flaky.
• Avoid overfilling the empanadas to prevent leakage while baking.
• If you prefer frying, feel free to pan-fry them for extra crispy goodness.

Variations

You can easily swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Additionally, experiment with various spices, like cayenne pepper for heat or even add some cheese for creaminess.

Storage Tips

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, freeze them before baking, so they’re ready for convenient meals.

Pairing Ideas

Pair these empanadas with refreshing cilantro lime rice or zesty black bean salad for a complete Latin-inspired meal.

FAQs

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even diced vegetables work wonderfully as alternatives.

Can I make empanadas in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen.

How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be golden brown all over and have a crispy exterior.

Can empanadas be reheated?
Sure thing! Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

What dipping sauce pairs well with empanadas?
Salsa, guacamole, or a simple sour cream-based dip works excellently.

These delicious beef empanadas not only capture the hearts of those who taste them but also bring a slice of Latin culture into your kitchen. With their flaky crust and hearty filling, they promise to become a go-to recipe for gatherings and family meals alike. Enjoy each bite as a warm embrace of rich flavors and culinary tradition!

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