Savory and Delicious Beef Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten (for the empanada dough)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for the empanada dough)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
  2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pan and sauté until soft.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned.
  4. Add the cumin, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring to combine.
  5. Add the tomato paste and beef broth to the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped eggs and olives. Allow the mixture to cool.
  7. While the beef mixture is cooling, start making the empanada dough. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
  8. Add the chopped butter and work it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. In a separate bowl, combine the water, vinegar, and beaten egg. Gradually add this mixture to the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
  10. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it is smooth.
  11. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
  12. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto one half of each circle of dough, leaving a border around the edge.
  13. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
  14. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  15. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tools for making

  • Frying pan - A large frying pan will be needed to cook the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Large bowl - A large bowl will be used to mix the empanada dough.
  • Baking sheet - A baking sheet is required to bake the empanadas in the oven.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, hard-boiled eggs, and olives.
  • Mixing spoon - A mixing spoon will be used to stir and combine the ingredients in the frying pan.
  • Rolling pin - A rolling pin is needed to roll out the empanada dough into circles.
  • Bowl - A small bowl is required to beat the egg for brushing the empanada dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are needed to accurately measure the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of ground meat such as chicken, pork, or turkey instead of beef.
  • Try adding different vegetables to the filling, such as corn, peas, or carrots.
  • Experiment with different spices or herbs to customize the flavor, such as paprika, oregano, or chili powder.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or using a combination of beans and vegetables.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough.
  • Make mini empanadas by using smaller circles of dough and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • Add cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist, such as shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
  • Try a different crust by using puff pastry or phyllo dough instead of making the dough from scratch.
  • Add a hint of spice by including diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce in the filling.
  • For a sweet variation, fill the empanadas with fruit preserves or Nutella instead of savory filling.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Latin America with these delicious Beef Empanadas. This recipe uses a simple, homemade dough and a savory filling made from ground beef, onions, garlic, and bell peppers, spiced with cumin and enriched with hard-boiled eggs and green olives. Once assembled, the empanadas are baked until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. This Beef Empanadas recipe is a great dish to serve at parties or as a family meal. Whether you're new to Latin American cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils.
  2. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using it.
  3. Can I freeze the empanadas? Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can store the empanadas in an airtight container or freezer bags and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
  4. Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them? Yes, you can fry the empanadas instead of baking them if you prefer. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  5. Can I add additional ingredients to the filling? Certainly! You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like diced potatoes, corn, or cheese to give it your own unique twist.
  6. Can I make mini empanadas instead of larger ones? Yes, you can make smaller empanadas by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to bake the empanadas in the oven.
  • Frying Pan - Used to cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables.
  • Large Bowl - Used to mix the flour, salt, and butter for the empanada dough.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the empanada dough.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, hard-boiled eggs, and green olives.
  • Spoon - Used to stir the beef mixture and tomato paste.
  • Basting Brush - Used to brush the beaten egg onto the empanadas before baking.
  • Cutting Board - Used to chop the ingredients and assemble the empanadas.

Origin stories

Empanadas, whose name comes from the Spanish verb 'empanar', meaning 'to wrap in bread', were originally conceived in Spain. Yet, it is the version from Argentina that has become iconic worldwide. These tasty pastries were brought by the Spanish colonists to Latin America and have since evolved into unique variations across different regions. In the 16th century, empanadas served as a convenient and portable meal for travelers and workers alike, filled with a variety of ingredients based on locally available produce. The incredible fact is that the recipe for empanadas traveled from Spain to Latin America, then proliferated into myriad versions like a culinary game of telephone. These half-moon pastries are not only a mouth-watering treat but also a testament to the rich cultural and historical journey of food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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