Beef Empanadas
I still remember the first time I had a beef empanada. It was at a small bakery in my hometown, and the combination of the flaky crust and the savory beef filling was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own beef empanadas recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. Whether you're a fan of Latin American cuisine or just looking for a new meal prep idea, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite.
One of the things I love about empanadas is how versatile they are. You can fill them with anything from beef to chicken to cheese, and they're perfect for snacking, lunch, or dinner. And the best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
In this recipe, we'll be using a simple beef filling made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. We'll also be making our own empanada dough from scratch, which is easier than you think. And don't worry if you're not a experienced baker - these empanadas are forgiving, and they'll still turn out delicious even if they're not perfect.
So let's get started! In this recipe, we'll cover everything you need to know to make delicious beef empanadas at home. From the ingredients to the cooking technique, we'll go through it all step by step. And by the end of it, you'll be a pro at making empanadas like a native Argentine.
Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick and easy meal prep idea or a parent trying to feed your family something new and exciting, these beef empanadas are the perfect solution. They're easy to make, delicious to eat, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So let's get started and make some empanadas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They're easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- They're perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to three months
- They're delicious and can be customized to suit your tastes
- They're a great way to feed a crowd, whether it's a party or a family gathering
- They're a fun and exciting twist on traditional snacks and meals
- They're a great way to experience the flavors and culture of Latin America
- They're a healthy and nutritious option, made with wholesome ingredients
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great empanadas is in the dough. You want it to be flaky and tender, with just the right amount of crunch. To achieve this, we'll be using a combination of all-purpose flour, butter, and water. The butter will give the dough a rich, flaky texture, while the water will help to keep it moist and tender.
Another important aspect of empanadas is the filling. You want it to be flavorful and savory, with just the right amount of seasoning. In this recipe, we'll be using a simple beef filling made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. We'll also be adding some chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
The cooking technique is also important when it comes to empanadas. You want to cook them at the right temperature, so that the dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and savory. To achieve this, we'll be baking the empanadas in a hot oven, with a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This will give them a nice golden brown color and a crispy texture.
Finally, the resting time is also important when it comes to empanadas. You want to let them rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, so that the filling can set and the dough can cool down. This will help to prevent the empanadas from falling apart when you eat them, and will also help to keep them fresh for longer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making empanadas, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of all-purpose flour, butter, and water to make the dough, as well as some basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and spices. For the filling, you'll need some ground beef, onions, garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro. And don't forget some eggs and water for brushing the empanadas before baking.
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these delicious beef empanadas:
- 2 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for empanadas, as it has a neutral flavor and a tender texture. Make sure to sift the flour before using it to remove any lumps and aerate it.
- 1 teaspoon saltSalt is an essential ingredient in empanadas, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use a flaky sea salt or a kosher salt for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small piecesThe butter is what gives the empanada dough its flaky texture, so make sure to use a high-quality unsalted butter. Chill the butter in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before using it.
- 1/4 cup waterThe water helps to keep the dough moist and tender, so make sure to use cold water. You can also use a combination of water and egg for an extra-rich dough.
- 1 pound ground beefGround beef is the best type of meat to use for empanadas, as it's tender and flavorful. Make sure to cook the beef until it's fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- 1 medium onion, dicedThe onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the empanadas, so make sure to use a sweet onion like a Vidalia or a Maui. Dice the onion finely before adding it to the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is an essential ingredient in empanadas, as it adds a pungent flavor and aroma. Mince the garlic finely before adding it to the beef.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the empanadas, so make sure to use it generously. Chop the cilantro finely before adding it to the beef.
- 1 egg, beatenThe egg helps to brush the empanadas before baking, giving them a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Beat the egg lightly before using it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oilThe olive oil helps to brush the empanadas before baking, giving them a crispy texture and a savory flavor. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and savory flavor to the empanadas, so make sure to use it generously. Use a freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Beef Empanadas
- 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they're well combined.
- 2Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 3Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
- 4Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic.
- 5Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- 6Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- 7In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it's fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- 8Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- 9Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's fragrant.
- 10Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 11Place a tablespoon or two of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
- 12Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- 13Press the edges of the dough together to seal the empanada and use a fork to crimp the edges.
- 14Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- 15Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden brown.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to chill the butter before using it, as this will help to create a flaky texture in the empanada dough.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough and dense.
- Use a high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Don't overfill the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal and can cause them to burst open during baking.
- Brush the empanadas with egg before baking, as this will give them a golden brown color and a crispy texture.
- Let the empanadas cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help them to set and will make them easier to handle.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as chicken or cheese, to create unique and delicious empanadas.
- Freeze the empanadas before baking, as this will help to preserve their texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the dough, which can make it tough and dense.
- Not chilling the butter, which can prevent the empanada dough from becoming flaky.
- Overfilling the empanadas, which can make them difficult to seal and can cause them to burst open during baking.
- Not brushing the empanadas with egg before baking, which can prevent them from becoming golden brown and crispy.
- Not letting the empanadas cool before serving, which can make them difficult to handle and can cause them to fall apart.
- Not freezing the empanadas before baking, which can cause them to lose their texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, to create unique and delicious empanadas.
- Add cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the beef filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use different types of spices, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the empanadas a unique flavor.
- Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the beef filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to create a healthier and more nutritious empanada.
- Experiment with different baking temperatures and times to create a crispy and golden brown empanada.
- Try using a pastry blender or a food processor to mix the dough, as this can help to create a flaky and tender texture.
What to Serve With Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are a versatile food that can be served in a variety of ways. They're perfect as a snack or appetizer, and they can also be served as a main course or side dish. Try serving them with a salad or a bowl of soup for a quick and easy meal.
Here are some ideas for serving empanadas:
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they're frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.
To reheat frozen empanadas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to become tough and dry.
Here are some tips for storing and reheating empanadas:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of flour to use for empanadas?
All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for empanadas, as it has a neutral flavor and a tender texture. You can also use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal for a more authentic Latin American flavor.
How do I make the empanada dough from scratch?
To make the empanada dough from scratch, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup of water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
What is the best type of filling to use for empanadas?
The best type of filling to use for empanadas is a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. You can also use chicken, pork, or cheese as a filling, or experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create unique and delicious empanadas.
How do I assemble the empanadas?
To assemble the empanadas, place a tablespoon or two of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the empanada and use a fork to crimp the edges.
How do I bake the empanadas?
To bake the empanadas, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Can I freeze the empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze the empanadas. To freeze, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they're frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen empanadas?
To reheat frozen empanadas, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause them to become tough and dry.
Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the empanadas ahead of time. Simply assemble the empanadas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they're well combined.
- Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes, until it's smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it's fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it's fragrant.
- Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Place a tablespoon or two of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
- Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges of the dough together to seal the empanada and use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden brown.