If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that packs a punch, you're in for a treat with this easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe. Empanadas are a favorite comfort food in many cultures and for good reason – they’re warm, flaky, and delicious, filled with a savory blend of spiced ground beef and vegetables. Whether you're preparing them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or just because you're craving something tasty, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect empanadas. So, stick with me to learn the secret of making golden, crispy empanadas from scratch!
What are Empanadas?
Empanadas are hand-held pies that are popular in many parts of the world, particularly in Latin American and Spanish cuisines. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb "empanar," which means "to wrap or coat in bread." The basic idea is simple: a savory or sweet filling is enclosed in dough, then baked or fried to create a crispy, flaky crust. Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but ground beef is one of the most traditional and beloved fillings. It’s flavorful, versatile, and easy to work with. This recipe will focus on creating delicious, homemade ground beef empanadas.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas
To make the perfect empanadas, you'll need a combination of ingredients for both the dough and the filling. Below is a detailed list to help you get everything ready.
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced green olives (optional)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup tomato paste or sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Water (for sealing the edges)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about empanadas is their versatility. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Below are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Meat Substitutes: If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan version, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of beans and lentils. Tofu or mushrooms also work great as a meat substitute.
- Cheese Filling: Add shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sharp queso fresco to make the filling richer and creamier. Just be cautious not to add too much, as the filling may leak out during baking.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you like it spicy, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a milder version, you can reduce the cumin and paprika.
- Gluten-Free Dough: You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough for those with gluten sensitivities. Many brands offer gluten-free all-purpose flour that works well as a direct substitute.
- Baking vs. Frying: This recipe calls for baking the empanadas for a lighter version, but if you're craving that crispy fried texture, you can fry them instead. Just heat oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, let's walk through the steps to make these delicious ground beef empanadas. Don’t rush – taking your time will help you perfect each part of the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, diced butter and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg, water, and vinegar together.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir until it starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or two until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Ground Beef Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste (or sauce) and mix well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.
- If you're using olives and hard-boiled egg, stir them in after the filling has cooled slightly. Set aside to cool completely before assembling the empanadas.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out 4-5 inch circles.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Empanadas
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the empanadas for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling: It’s tempting to stuff your empanadas with lots of filling, but overfilling can lead to them bursting open during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Don’t forget the egg wash! It helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust and adds a professional touch to your empanadas.
- Not Sealing Properly: Make sure you properly seal the edges of your empanadas. If they aren’t sealed tightly, the filling may spill out during baking.
- Using Warm Filling: Always let your filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas. If the filling is warm, it can soften the dough, making it difficult to handle and leading to soggy empanadas.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Empanadas are best served warm and can be presented in a variety of ways to suit different occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual family meal, here are some tips to elevate your serving game:
How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve your empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor. Chimichurri, salsa, or even a spicy aioli are great options.
- Side Dishes: Pair your empanadas with simple side dishes like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas
- On a Platter: Arrange your empanadas on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Individual Plates: For a more elegant presentation, serve each empanada on its own plate with a small dish of dipping sauce on the side.
Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips
- Freeze for Later: Empanadas freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. Just freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Try Different Fillings: Once you've mastered this recipe, try experimenting with different fillings like chicken, cheese, or vegetables. The dough recipe stays the same, so you can get creative with what you put inside.
- Use a Food Processor for the Dough: If you want to speed up the dough-making process, you can use a food processor to mix the butter into the flour. Just be careful not to over-process, as you still want those small butter chunks for a flaky crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can! Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown and crispy. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. - How long can I store baked empanadas?
You can store baked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
With this easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe, you’ll be able to bring the taste of Latin American cuisine right into your kitchen. From making the dough to perfecting the beef filling, these empanadas are simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. Whether you're preparing them for a casual meal or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these delicious, homemade ground beef empanadas!
PrintEasy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe
This easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe delivers savory, golden-brown pastries filled with seasoned beef, onions, and peppers. Ideal for snacks or meals, these empanadas are perfect for any occasion. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up a batch of these delicious beef empanadas in no time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Cook the beef filling: In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Mix in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the filling thickens and cool.
- Prepare the empanadas: Roll out empanada dough, cut into circles, and fill with the beef mixture. Fold and crimp the edges to seal.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- You can freeze the unbaked empanadas for a quick snack or meal later.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like chimichurri or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
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