Beef Empanadas: A Flavorful Journey
Juicy beef empanadas—these golden pockets of joy are not just food; they’re an emotional experience wrapped in flaky dough. Picture biting into a crispy exterior that gives way to a savory filling of tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices. The moment you sink your teeth into one of these delightful creations, the comforting familiarity sweeps over you like a warm embrace, reminding you of family gatherings and festive occasions.
Making beef empanadas is a journey worth taking—perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun cooking project with kids. They embody nostalgia, delight, and a sense of accomplishment that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Let’s dive into this crave-worthy recipe that’s bound to bring joy to your table.
Are You Ready for a Crave-Worthy Delight?
Is there anything better than the sigh of satisfaction after enjoying a homemade beef empanada? Imagine the crunch of biting through a crispy crust, releasing a burst of savory, seasoned filling that makes your taste buds dance. Heavy on the nostalgia and rich in flavor, these empanadas are the sensational treat your palate has been longing for.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a party snack, beef empanadas are your ticket to a delightful culinary experience. They’re an ideal way to indulge while providing a hands-on cooking experience that’s sure to satisfy everyone, from toddlers to adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself whipping these up in no time.
Healthy Options: Customize the filling with various fresh veggies, keeping it both nutritious and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for gatherings; everyone loves empanadas!
Versatile: Serve as appetizers, snacks, or even as a delightful main dish.
Kid-Friendly: Watch as your little ones are enchanted by the process of filling and sealing their own empanadas!
Ingredients
For these scrumptious beef empanadas, you’ll need:
Boiling Water: The magic elixir that helps transform flour into a pliable dough.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and a dreamy texture.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors and binds the ingredients together.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of a flaky crust that you can’t resist.
Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the beef and veggies, adding a touch of richness.
Yellow Onions: Sweet and aromatic, they form the base of our filling.
Red Bell Peppers: Their vibrant color and sweetness lighten the filling.
Green Bell Peppers: Adds crunch and balance.
Fresh Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, it’s the heart of flavor.
Ground Beef: The star of our dish—juicy, savory, and satisfying.
Tomato Puree: Provides acidity and moisture for a well-rounded filling.
Sweet Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat that elevates the flavors.
Dry Oregano: Provides a warm, herbal touch.
Dry Parsley: Freshens up the mixture with a subtle flavor.
Dried Garlic: Enhances the garlicky goodness in every bite.
Sugar: Balances out the savory and adds a touch of sweetness.
Green Onions: For freshness and a slight crunch.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Contributes creaminess and richness to the filling.
The medley of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that you won’t soon forget.
Timing
These beef empanadas strike a perfect balance between fast indulgence and leisurely cooking. The preparation is quick, with only about 15 minutes required to get everything together. Then, allow the dough to rest for two hours, which just gives you the perfect excuse to relax with a nice cup of coffee or tea.
The frying takes only about 3 minutes per batch, making it a delightful indulgence that you can create without a long wait.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over cubes of butter and sprinkle in some salt. Stir gently until the butter melts completely and the salt dissolves into the warm mixture.
2. Knead The Dough
Add all-purpose flour at once and mix with your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until soft and no longer sticky.
3. Rest The Dough
Wrap the dough snugly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least two hours.
4. Sauté The Veggies
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over low heat. Add diced yellow onions, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers, cooking until softened. Once the onions are translucent, stir in minced garlic and a pinch of salt until fragrant.
5. Brown The Beef
Increase the heat to medium and add ground beef, stirring constantly until it’s browned evenly.
6. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in tomato puree, sweet paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, dried garlic, dried parsley, and sugar. Let this cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Finish and Chill The Filling
Off the heat, mix in chopped green onions and diced hard-boiled egg. Allow the filling to cool completely before proceeding.
8. Roll and Fill The Empanadas
After the dough has rested, shape it into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin disk and place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center. Fold the dough over, then pinch or crimp the edges to seal securely.
9. Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the empanadas in batches for about three minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Nutritional Information
While these beef empanadas are a delicious indulgence, they can be enjoyed in moderation. Each empanada contains about 250 calories filled with protein, vitamins, and carbs, delivering satisfaction in every bite.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to keep it lighter? Consider making the crust with whole wheat flour or using less butter. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and load up on vegetables for a nutritious twist. You could also try a dairy-free butter for the dough if you’re watching your intake.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these beef empanadas with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. They’re delightful served as appetizers during holiday gatherings or even during family movie nights for a cozy treat.
The warm, flaky crust against the hearty filling creates a harmony that’s delicious alone but takes on a whole new level when enjoyed with a side of dipping sauce. Consider tangy chimichurri or zesty salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Common Mistakes
One common pitfall when making empanadas is overbaking them, causing the crust to become tough instead of flaky. Make sure to fry them until just golden and keep a watchful eye.
Ensure that your filling isn’t too wet, as this can lead to soggy empanadas or messes during frying.
Finally, for optimal texture, make sure to allow your dough to rest to prevent it from shrinking while you’re rolling it out.
Storing Tips
Planning to make a big batch? You can freeze uncooked empanadas for up to three months. For reheating, simply fry from frozen, extending the cooking time by a minute or two.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within three days. For a quick meal, simply pop them in the oven or an air fryer to reheat and regain that crispy golden exterior.
Tempting Conclusion
Ready to make your own beef empanadas? There’s an undeniable charm in creating something so delicious from scratch. These golden pockets of joy are perfect for any occasion and an undeniable crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Don’t wait too long! Grab your ingredients, get your hands doughy, and indulge in the delightful experience of making beef empanadas. You won’t regret the culinary adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
2. What other fillings can I use for empanadas?
The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility! You can try fillings like shredded chicken, cheese and spinach, or even a sweet fruit filling for dessert empanadas.
3. Can I bake empanadas instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the empanadas at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. How do I know when the empanadas are done frying?
Empanadas are ready when they turn a lovely golden brown color and float in the oil. Make sure to follow the time recommendation closely.
5. Can I freeze cooked empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze cooked empanadas. Make sure they are cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Enjoy your cooking adventures, and make sure to savor every bite of your delicious homemade beef empanadas!
Print
Beef Empanadas
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy beef empanadas filled with savory ground beef and vibrant vegetables, wrapped in a flaky crust that embodies nostalgia and delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over cubes of butter and sprinkle in salt. Stir gently until the butter melts completely.
- Add flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until soft and not sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and a pinch of salt until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and stir until browned evenly.
- Mix in tomato puree, paprika, chili powder, oregano, dried garlic, parsley, and sugar. Cook for a few minutes.
- Off heat, add green onions and hard-boiled eggs. Let the filling cool completely.
- Shape dough into small balls, roll into disks, place filling, fold, and seal edges.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry empanadas in batches for 3 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Empanadas can be made ahead and frozen, and baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
