Easy Beef Empanada Recipe: Homemade Savory Pastries

Ever wondered how to make beef empanadas at home? These savory pastries are a favorite in many cultures. Now, you can enjoy their delicious taste in your kitchen. Our easy recipe will show you how to make these tasty treats for any event.

Homemade empanadas are great for snacks, appetizers, or even main dishes. They have a crispy outside and a flavorful beef inside. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!

Our recipe uses easy-to-find refrigerated pie crust. It’s perfect for cooks of all levels. The beef filling is seasoned with spices and cheese for a great taste. These empanadas are perfect for parties or just a tasty snack.

Key Takeaways

• Beef empanadas are crispy pastries filled with seasoned ground beef
• This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish
• Empanadas can be served as appetizers, snacks, or main dishes
• The recipe yields 4 servings as a main dish or 8 as an appetizer
• Using refrigerated pie crust makes this recipe quick and easy
• Empanadas pair well with guacamole or salsa for a complete meal

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are tasty pastries shaped like a half-moon. They can be filled with savory or sweet ingredients. These treats have a long history and are loved in many countries.

Origin and History

The story of empanadas begins in Galicia, Spain, around 1520. The name comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” meaning to coat with bread. Over time, these pastries spread to Latin America and the Philippines, changing into many local flavors.

Cultural Significance

Empanadas are very important in many cultures. People enjoy them at festivals, family events, and as a snack. In Argentina, they’re a beloved dish. In Chile, they’re a favorite street food. These pastries show the rich traditions passed down through generations.

Types of Empanadas

There are many kinds of empanadas, each with its own story. They can be baked or fried, and vary in size. Let’s look at some well-known types:

Empanadas come in many flavors, from savory beef and cheese to sweet fruits. Whether you like them baked or fried, these pastries are loved by food enthusiasts around the world.

The Perfect Empanada Dough

Making the perfect empanada dough is crucial for tasty pastries. Many cooks use premade pie crust for ease and taste. If you want to make it from scratch, a recipe like French choux pastry without eggs is great.

The dough recipe has flour, salt, butter, egg yolks, and water. It’s quick to prepare, under an hour, and chilling it for 30 minutes is key for the right texture. You can also make the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge for two days, great for a busy life.

To get even pieces, divide the dough into quarters, then eighths, sixteenths, and finally 32 pieces. This makes sure all your empanadas are the same size and shape. You can fill them with traditional picadillo, guava & cheese, or even sweet fillings like apple or cherry pie.

This empanada dough recipe makes 16 large or 32 small pastries, ideal for any event. With a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 46 reviews, it’s a hit. Whether you want a flaky or traditional empanada, this dough is a great choice for your recipes.

Crafting the Savory Beef Filling

Making the perfect ground beef filling is crucial for delicious empanadas. Let’s dive into the key elements that make this filling so irresistible.

Selecting the Right Ground Beef

For top-notch empanada filling, pick lean ground beef (85-90% lean). This choice ensures a tasty filling without too much grease. Brown 1 pound of beef until it’s just pink, then drain the extra fat.

Essential Spices and Seasonings

Empanada spices are what make the filling pop. Add cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. These spices give a bold, savory taste that’s truly Latin American.

Vegetable Additions for Flavor and Texture

Add some veggies to your beef filling for extra flavor and texture. Chop 1/2 medium yellow onion and 1 bell pepper. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cook these with the beef, then simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

This recipe makes enough filling for many empanadas. Each empanada has 2 oz (about 1/4 cup) of the savory mix. Make extra for future meals or freeze it for later.

Step-by-Step Beef Empanada Recipe

Make delicious homemade empanadas with this simple recipe. It will guide you through making savory pastries filled with a tasty beef mix.

First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a big skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with onions and peppers until brown. Use lean meat for tender, not greasy, empanadas. Add spices like thyme, cayenne, oregano, paprika, and cumin for real flavor.

Then, mix in beef broth and tomato paste for a rich sauce. Add boiled potato cubes for extra texture. Roll out the dough into circles, put filling on half, fold, and seal the edges.

1. Brush empanadas with egg wash
2. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown
3. Let cool slightly before serving

This recipe makes 10-12 empanadas, great for family dinners or party snacks. You can prepare them ahead and refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them a handy meal option.

Enjoy your homemade empanadas hot, fresh from the oven. They have a crispy outside and a juicy, flavorful inside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for more flavor.

Tips for Shaping and Sealing Empanadas

Learning how to fold and seal empanadas is key to making delicious pastries. This guide will help you improve your empanada edges. It will also make sure your fillings don’t leak out.

Traditional Folding Techniques

The classic way to fold empanadas is by putting the filling on one half of the dough circle. Then, fold the other half over to make a half-moon shape. For 10 empanadas, you’ll need 4 sheets of puff pastry. Press the edges together with your fingers to start sealing.

Ensuring a Proper Seal

Sealing empanadas right is important to keep the filling in during cooking. Brush the edges with beaten egg before folding to make a stronger seal. Then, use a fork to crimp the edges, pressing hard to seal. This method is great for both baked and fried empanadas.

Decorative Edge Options

For beautiful empanada edges, try these decorative techniques:

• Rope edge: Pinch and twist the dough along the edge
• Braid edge: Fold small sections of dough over each other
• Scalloped edge: Use a small round cutter to create semicircle indentations

Remember, practice makes perfect with empanada folding. With these tips, you’ll soon be making beautiful, securely sealed empanadas. Whether you’re making beef or vegetarian empanadas, these techniques will keep your fillings inside and your empanadas looking great.

Baking vs. Frying: Which Method is Best?

When it comes to cooking empanadas, you have two main choices: baking or frying. Baked empanadas are a healthier option that’s also easier to clean up. They get crispy and flaky without the need for deep frying. Just preheat your oven to 400°F and cook for about 20 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Fried empanadas, however, are a traditional favorite in many cultures. They have a unique taste and a crispy texture. Some people even use air fryers to make them, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Choosing between baked and fried empanadas depends on what you like and your diet. Both ways make delicious empanadas. So, why not try both and see which you prefer?

Customizing Your Empanadas

Empanadas are perfect for customization. They let you get creative in the kitchen. You can make them savory or sweet, catering to every taste.

Alternative Filling Ideas

Beef is a classic, but other meats work great too. Try ground chicken, pork, or tuna for something new. Cheese lovers can play with different types, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

For a unique taste, mix in taco-inspired ingredients. This creates a treat that blends cultures.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Vegetarian empanadas are just as good as the meaty kind. Use black beans, lentils, and mixed veggies for a filling meal. Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Vegan options can use plant-based cheese and egg substitutes in the dough.

Sweet Empanada Variations

Sweet empanadas are a treat too! Fill them with fruit preserves, chocolate, or dulce de leche. Apple cinnamon, banana Nutella, and peach cobbler fillings are favorites.

The secret to great empanadas is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. Try different fillings to discover your favorite!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Empanadas are versatile pastries that shine when paired with the right sides and dipping sauces. Let’s explore some mouthwatering empanada pairings to elevate your dining experience.

For a quick and easy side, whip up some Cilantro Lime Rice in just 20 minutes. It’s a refreshing companion to savory beef empanadas. Craving something heartier? Try Black Beans And Rice, ready in the same amount of time.

Looking for empanada sides with a twist? Plantain Chips offer a crispy contrast and take only 15 minutes to prepare. For a lighter option, toss together a no-cook Black Bean Salad or a Simple Mexican Coleslaw.

Don’t forget about dipping sauces! Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are classic choices that complement empanadas perfectly. For a unique twist, try serving your empanadas with pickled red onions or a zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad.

With over 25 side dish options available, you’ll never run out of exciting empanada pairings. Mix and match to create your perfect plate!

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Empanadas are great for meal prep and freezing. They can be stored and reheated easily. Let’s look at how to store, freeze, and reheat your empanadas.

Proper Storage Techniques

Store your beef empanadas in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer, freeze them. Put unbaked empanadas on a sheet to freeze, then move them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

Reheating empanadas is easy. For chilled ones, bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. Frozen ones should be baked at 300°F for 10 minutes. Make sure they heat to 165°F inside.

Freezer-Friendly Tips

Freezer-friendly empanadas save time. Make a batch, freeze them, and cook as needed. Here are some tips:

• Wrap each empanada in plastic wrap before freezing
• Label with date and contents
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking
• Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen

Follow these tips to enjoy homemade empanadas anytime. Whether for meal prep or a party, these instructions help keep your empanadas fresh and tasty.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Knowing about empanada nutrition is important for those watching their diet. A serving of two beef empanadas has 461 calories. This makes it a great meal or snack. It includes 22g of fat, 48g of carbs, and 20g of protein.

For those looking for healthier options, here are some tips. Each serving has 3g of fiber and is rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also has a moderate sodium level of 336mg, which is pretty low for a pastry.

To make empanadas healthier, try baking them instead of frying. Use lean meats or veggies for fillings to cut down on calories and fat. Adding whole wheat flour to the dough can also boost nutrition, but it might change the taste and texture a bit.

These nutritional facts are for traditional beef empanadas. If you choose vegetarian or vegan options, you might get less saturated fat and cholesterol but more fiber. This depends on what ingredients you use.

Troubleshooting Common Empanada Issues

Making perfect empanadas can be a bit tricky. Let’s look at some common issues and how to fix them. These tips will help you make delicious pastries.

Soggy empanadas are a common problem. To avoid this, don’t overfill them. Use about 7.5g of filling per empanada. This stops too much moisture from getting into the dough. Make sure to seal the empanadas well to keep the filling inside.

If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for a bit longer before rolling it out. If it’s too dry, add a little water. If empanadas burst while baking, use less filling or bake at a lower temperature. For pale empanadas, brush them with more egg wash before baking.

• Runny filling? Cook it longer to reduce moisture before assembling.
• Cracked empanadas? Chill the pastry adequately before baking.
• Uneven cooking? Maintain a consistent oven temperature of 400°F (200°C).

If your empanadas are tough, don’t overwork the dough. If you’re in a hurry, use pre-made pastry. This can save time without lowering the quality.

It’s important to make test empanadas, especially if you’re new to making them. This lets you check the pastry and filling before making a big batch. With these tips, you’ll be ready to handle any empanada problems that come up.

The Versatility of Empanadas for Various Occasions

Empanadas are perfect for all kinds of parties, big or small. They easily fit into different settings, making them a favorite for both hosts and guests.

Party Appetizers

Mini empanadas are a hit at parties. They’re easy to eat and let guests try different fillings. A mix of empanadas adds color and variety to any buffet.

Family Dinners

For family meals, go for the bigger empanadas. Serve them with hearty side dishes for a filling dinner. They’re quick to make, taking 35 minutes to prep and 55 minutes total.

On-the-Go Meals

Empanadas are great for eating on the move. Their crust keeps fillings in, so you don’t have to worry about spills. They’re perfect for picnics, road trips, or quick lunches at work.

Empanadas need just 9 ingredients and make 8 servings. They’re great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Their flexibility makes them perfect for any meal or snack time.

Empanada-Making Tools and Equipment

Making delicious empanadas needs the right kitchen tools. Whether you’re just starting or have been doing it for years, the right empanada tools can change everything. They make your cooking journey better.

A rolling pin is key for getting your dough just right. Use a circular cutter or a bowl to shape it. And don’t forget a fork to crimp the edges for that classic look.

For oven-baked empanadas, you’ll need baking sheets. If frying, a deep pot and a thermometer are a must for the right oil temperature. Parchment paper or silicone mats help prevent sticking and make cleaning up a breeze.

If you make empanadas a lot, think about getting an empanada maker. These tools make sure your empanadas are always the same size and shape. This means you get consistent results every time.

While not a must, a food processor can make making dough faster. For big batches, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment is a big help. The right tools can take your empanada-making from good to amazing!

Exploring Regional Empanada Variations

Empanadas come in many types across Latin America, showing the area’s rich food culture. In Argentina, beef empanadas are a big hit, especially in Buenos Aires. They are a favorite snack. The recipe mixes ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and raisins with cumin and chili flakes.

These pastries are baked for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown. They are truly delicious.

Empanadas from different regions have their own unique tastes and fillings. Salta’s empanadas are spicy and juicy, filled with beef, potatoes, and peppers. Tucumán celebrates with small beef empanadas at the National Empanada Festival.

Jujuy offers empanadas with goat or llama meat. Córdoba’s empanadas are special with their sugar on top and a sweet-savory taste. Catamarca’s empanadas often have venison, showing the local flavor.

Empanadas aren’t just found in South America. In Spain, they are bigger and might have tuna or chorizo inside. The Philippines has sweet empanadas filled with chicken or pork. During Hispanic Heritage Month, chefs like Illyanna Maisonet make Puerto Rican empanadillas-pastelillos with a picadillo filling.

The Siete Table authors mix Mexican-American tastes in their apple empanadas. They use a grain-free dough and fry them in avocado oil. These recipes show how empanadas are loved all over the world.