Beef Empanadas: A Flavorful and Satisfying Delight

Introduction

If you’re looking for a savory snack or a perfect party appetizer, Beef Empanadas are a must-try. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a seasoned beef mixture that is both savory and comforting. Empanadas are a popular dish across Latin America, Spain, and various other parts of the world, each region offering its own spin on the filling and seasoning. Beef Empanadas, in particular, offer a rich, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the light, crispy dough.

Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as an appetizer, Beef Empanadas are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and satisfying texture. The beauty of these empanadas lies not only in their versatility but also in how they can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences.

In this article, we’ll dive into why Beef Empanadas are a crowd-pleaser, walk you through the process of making them from scratch, and offer tips for customizing the recipe to your liking. From the tender, well-seasoned beef filling to the perfectly crisp dough, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal or celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tender, flavorful beef filling combined with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic makes each bite a savory delight.
• Golden, Flaky Pastry: The outer crust is golden and crispy, creating the perfect contrast to the soft, juicy filling inside.
• Versatile and Customizable: While the classic recipe features ground beef, you can easily swap the filling for chicken, pork, or vegetables to suit your dietary preferences.
• Ideal for Entertaining: Beef Empanadas make excellent appetizers or party food, as they’re easy to grab and go, making them perfect for any event.
• Make-Ahead Option: These empanadas freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead meal or snack option.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour for cooking, 30 minutes for cooling)
• Servings: This recipe yields about 20-24 empanadas, depending on the size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 empanada): Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g.

Ingredients

For the Empanada Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the dough.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, for a flaky texture.
• 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 1/3 cup cold water: To bring the dough together.
• 1 tablespoon vinegar: Helps with dough elasticity and creates a tender crust.

Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef: The main protein for the filling. You can use lean beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 medium onion: Finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 1 medium bell pepper: Finely chopped, adds a slight sweetness and color.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for added flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds complexity.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To taste.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of sweetness to the filling.
• 1/3 cup beef broth: To create a juicy filling.
• 1 large egg: For binding the beef filling together.
• ¼ cup chopped olives: Optional, for an extra layer of flavor.
• ¼ cup raisins: Optional, for a subtle sweetness (common in some Latin American empanada variations).
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg: Beaten, for brushing the empanadas before baking or frying.

First Step: PREPARE THE EMPANADA DOUGH

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized chunks of butter.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the egg, cold water, and vinegar together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out and will help maintain its flaky texture when baked or fried.

Second Step: MAKE THE BEEF FILLING

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in the cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Then, add the tomato paste and beef broth, mixing everything together. Allow the filling to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is thickened.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using olives or raisins, stir them into the beef mixture at this point. The raisins will add a nice sweetness that complements the savory filling.
5. Cool the Filling: Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Once it’s cool, stir in the beaten egg to help bind the filling together.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE EMPANADAS

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
2. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the empanadas difficult to seal.
3. Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to press the edges together, sealing them tightly. If the dough is sticky, you can lightly moisten the edges with water before sealing.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the empanadas to give them a golden finish during baking.

Fourth Step: COOK THE EMPANADAS

You have two options for cooking the empanadas: baking or frying.

Baking Method:

1. Place on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
2. Bake the Empanadas: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Frying Method:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Empanadas: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the empanadas in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Empanadas: Use a slotted spoon to remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve the Empanadas: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed as is or with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh dipping sauce like chimichurri or sour cream.
2. Garnish: For a pop of color and flavor, garnish the empanadas with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

How to Serve Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences.

1. As a Main Course

For a filling meal, serve Beef Empanadas with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Their savory flavor makes them perfect for lunch or dinner.

2. As a Party Appetizer

These empanadas are great for parties or gatherings. Their finger-food size makes them perfect for snacking, and they pair wonderfully with dips like guacamole, salsas, or creamy sauces.

3. For Meal Prep or Freezing

If you have a busy week ahead, Beef Empanadas can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Simply freeze the uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, bake or fry directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Beef Empanada is a favorite, there are many ways to customize this recipe:

1. Use Different Proteins

Swap the beef for other meats like chicken, pork, or lamb. For a vegetarian version, consider filling the empanadas with sautéed vegetables, potatoes, or black beans.

2. Add Cheese

Incorporate shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, into the filling for an extra layer of richness and gooeyness.

3. Spice It Up

Add some heat to the filling by incorporating diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder for a spicier version of these empanadas.

4. Change the Dough

If you prefer a puffier texture, try using puff pastry instead of the traditional dough. This will give the empanadas a lighter, flakier texture.

Tips for Perfect Beef Empanadas

1. Don’t Overfill: Make sure to fill the empanadas with just the right amount of filling—too much can cause the dough to tear or leak while cooking.
2. Seal Well: Be sure the edges of the empanadas are sealed tightly, especially when frying, to prevent the filling from spilling out.
3. Keep Dough Cold: Cold dough is easier to work with and will yield a flakier texture once baked or fried.
4. Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest and chill before rolling it out. This will make it more manageable and easier to shape.

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Conclusion

Beef Empanadas are a delicious, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, savory filling wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, these empanadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or for a special celebration, Beef Empanadas are a delightful addition to any meal. The recipe can be customized in many ways to suit your tastes, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll have perfect empanadas every time. Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavor and texture in every bite.