How to Make Delicious Beef Empanadas from Scratch

Beef empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main meal. These baked or fried, crescent-shaped pastries are packed with flavor and are easy to make at home with some basic ingredients. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or want to impress your guests with an appetizing party food, beef empanadas are the perfect answer. In this article, we’ll show you how to make beef empanadas using a simple recipe that anyone can follow.

Making beef empanadas may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. The dough is made with flour, water, and butter, similar to a pie crust, and the filling is typically made with ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. With a little practice, you can create perfect empanadas that are crispy on the outside, and juicy and flavorful on the inside. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making some delicious beef empanadas that are sure to impress!

Ingredients Needed

The Dough

Making the dough for your beef empanadas may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple. Here, we’ll show you what you’ll need:

1. Flour – To make the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour. It’s important to measure it accurately as too much or too little can make the dough either too dry or too wet.

2. Fat -Traditionally, lard was used to make empanada dough but you can also opt for butter or vegetable shortening. For a flakier pastry, freeze your chosen fat and grate it into the flour just before mixing.

3. Water- Use ice-cold water to hydrate the dough. This will help keep the fat stable and result in a flakier texture. Aim to use iced water in a 1:1 ratio with the fat.

4. Salt – To add some flavor to the dough, add salt. Aim for ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of flour.

5. Egg- Adding one egg to the dough will make it richer and more tender.

Mixing and Rolling the Dough

Cooking the Beef Filling

The filling is the most flavorful part of an empanada that gives the dish its unique taste. Here’s what you need to make the filling:

1. Beef- The filling is usually made up of beef, either minced or shredded, but you can also use chicken, pork or vegetarian alternatives.

2. Vegetables – A mixture of bell peppers, onions, and garlic is commonly added to the filling, but feel free to add or omit vegetables according to your liking.

3. Spices – Empanada filling is heavily seasoned with combinations of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano to enhance its flavor.

4. Liquid- The filling needs liquid to simmer and cook. Tomato sauce, beef broth or water can be used.

Preparation

Empanada Assembly

Now that you have made the dough, the filling, and the sauce, it’s time to put them all together. Here’s how to assemble your empanadas:

1. Cut circles – Take a cookie cutter or a cup to cut even-sized circles of dough.

2. Fill the dough – Spoon about two tablespoons of the filling into the center of each dough circle. Make sure it’s not too much to avoid overflow after folding.

3. Fold the dough – Fold the dough in half and press the edges together.

4. Crimp or fold – Go around the edges and press them together to seal the empanada.

5. Brush with egg wash – To give your empanadas a golden-brown finish, brush them with a mixture of beaten egg and a little bit of water.

6. Bake – Preheat your oven and bake your empanadas for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

7. Serve – Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with chimichurri sauce or a hot sauce of your choice.

Conclusion

Making beef empanadas at home is not as difficult as it might initially seem. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create delicious empanadas that are perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and attention to detail, you will be able to master the art of making beef empanadas in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

2. Ingredients Needed for Making Beef Empanadas

1. Ground Beef

Beef is the main ingredient in this recipe, and it’s crucial to use high-quality ground beef for the best results. When choosing meat, look for lean ground beef that’s 85% lean and 15% fat. The fat content will help keep the meat moist, while the lean meat adds flavor and texture.

2. Empanada Dough

Empanada dough is easy to make, and it’s what holds everything together. You can make your own dough or buy it pre-made from the store. If you’re making your own, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening.

3. Vegetables

Vegetables are essential for adding flavor, texture, and color to your beef empanadas. You can use any vegetables you like, but some popular options include onions, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic.

4. Spices

Spices are what make these empanadas so flavorful. You’ll need a mix of spices that includes cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, and salt. These spices will give your beef a smoky, earthy flavor that’s perfect for empanadas.

5. Eggs

Eggs are used in the dough and as a wash for the empanadas. The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a bit of extra flavor.

6. Raisins and Olives

These ingredients are optional, but they’re what make these empanadas truly authentic. Raisins add sweetness to the filling, while olives add a salty, briny flavor.

7. Oil or Butter

You’ll need oil or butter to cook the beef and vegetables. Use a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola oil, or butter if you prefer a richer flavor.

8. Water or Broth

Water or broth is needed to bring everything together and create a cohesive filling. Use water or beef broth for added flavor.

9. Flour for Dusting

You’ll need flour for dusting your work surface when you’re rolling out the dough.

10. Empanada Press or Fork

Finally, you’ll need an empanada press or fork to seal your empanadas. A press is the easiest and quickest option, but you can also seal the edges with a fork if you don’t have a press.

Ingredients Needed to Make Beef Empanadas

Making beef empanadas at home will require a few ingredients that are easily accessible in any grocery store. Here are the main ingredients you need to make this delicious dish.

Preparing the Filling for Beef Empanadas

Making the filling for beef empanadas is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to have a great-tasting filling for your empanadas.

Preparing the Meat

The first thing you need to do is to cook the ground beef. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Adding the Spices

Once the meat is browned, add the tomato sauce, cumin, dried oregano, raisins, and chopped green olives. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have combined.

Cooling the Filling

After cooking, set the meat mixture aside to cool. You can also refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Empanadas

Now that you have the filling ready, you can start assembling the empanadas. Take a pastry disc and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the pastry over and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork. Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg wash to give them a nice golden color.

Baking the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

Making beef empanadas at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With these simple steps, you will be able to wow your family and friends with your homemade empanadas. Enjoy!

Happy Empanada Making!

Now that you know how to make delicious beef empanadas, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and make them your own. Thank you so much for reading, and be sure to visit us again for more recipes and cooking tips. Let’s continue to create mouth-watering dishes together!