Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey to the heart of Latin America with our recipe for Delicious and Easy Beef Empanadas! These savory pastries are a beloved staple across numerous cultures, boasting a rich history and a global following. Their origins are somewhat debated, with claims arising from Spain, Portugal, and various Latin American countries. Many believe the empanada’s ancestor lies in the Galician empanada gallega, a filled pastry dating back to the Middle Ages. These early versions often featured simple fillings like seafood or meat, reflecting the readily available ingredients of the time. The Spanish conquistadors are credited with spreading the empanada throughout their colonies, leading to the incredible regional diversity we see today.
The empanada’s journey across the Atlantic profoundly impacted its evolution. Different cultures adapted the recipe, resulting in a stunning array of fillings and styles. From the savory beef empanadas of Argentina, known for their juicy filling and flaky crust, to the spicy chicken empanadas of Colombia, or the sweet versions found in some parts of South America, the possibilities are endless. In Argentina alone, it’s estimated that over 100 million empanadas are consumed annually, highlighting the dish’s enduring popularity and its integral role in Argentine culture. They are a ubiquitous street food, a party staple, and a comforting home-cooked meal, all rolled into one delicious handheld package.
Beyond its sheer deliciousness, the empanada holds significant cultural importance. It’s a symbol of community and shared heritage, often passed down through generations within families. The process of making empanadas, from preparing the dough to carefully crafting each individual pastry, is often a communal affair, bringing families and friends together. These pastries are frequently featured in celebrations and festivals, representing a connection to history and tradition. Our recipe aims to capture the essence of this beloved dish, offering a simplified yet authentic approach that allows you to experience the magic of the empanada in your own kitchen, no matter your culinary skill level. Get ready to savor a taste of history and culture with every bite!
Ingredients and Measurements
This recipe yields approximately 12 delicious beef empanadas. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and texture. Use a kitchen scale for the most precise results, especially for the flour and meat.
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour. Use a good quality flour for a tender and flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt. This enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes. Cold butter is key for a flaky crust. Do not let it soften!
- ½ cup (120ml) ice water. Add this gradually, as you may not need all of it. Using ice water helps prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tougher crust.
For the Beef Filling:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef. Choose a lean ground beef with a higher fat content for better flavor and juiciness. 80/20 blend is recommended.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup).
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- ½ teaspoon oregano.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat).
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional).
- 1/4 cup beef broth (optional, to adjust consistency).
Important Note: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can always add more or less of any spice according to your taste. If the filling seems too dry, add a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst during baking.
For Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
The egg wash provides a beautiful golden brown finish and helps the empanadas crisp up nicely.
Preparation of the Beef Filling
The heart of a truly delicious empanada lies in its filling. This recipe calls for a savory and flavorful beef filling that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. We’ll begin by preparing 1 lb of ground beef. Choose a blend with a good balance of fat for juiciness; an 80/20 blend works perfectly.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this will result in steaming instead of browning. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and loses its pink color, about 8-10 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy filling. Now, we’ll add the aromatics. Sauté 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, in the same skillet until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t burn the garlic; it will impart a bitter taste.
Next, we’ll build the flavor profile. Stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the spices.
Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The filling should be well-seasoned and flavorful, with a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before filling your empanada dough. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
Pro Tip: For an even more intense flavor, consider browning the beef in a cast iron skillet. The superior heat retention will help develop a deeper, richer flavor in your filling.
Making the Empanada Dough
Creating the perfect empanada dough is key to achieving delicious, flaky, and golden-brown pastries. This recipe yields enough dough for approximately 12-15 empanadas, depending on their size.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup (120ml) ice water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, but helps with flakiness)
Instructions:
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the very cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The smaller the butter pieces remain, the flakier your dough will be.
3. Add the liquids: Gradually add the ice water and vinegar (if using), mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough dough.
4. Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together into a ball. Avoid kneading. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. Roll out the dough: After chilling, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use even pressure to ensure consistent thickness, preventing some empanadas from cooking faster than others. Use a 4-5 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles for your empanadas.
Professional Tip: For extra flaky empanadas, you can chill the dough for an additional 15-20 minutes after rolling it out before filling and baking. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Now you’re ready to fill your empanada dough with delicious beef filling and bake to perfection!
Assembling the Empanadas
With your flavorful beef filling prepared and your empanada dough ready to roll, it’s time to assemble these delicious treats! We’ll be making approximately 12 empanadas from a standard batch of dough and filling. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.
Begin by rolling out your empanada dough. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch (3mm). This ensures a delicate crust without being overly fragile. Use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. You can use a rolling pin or even a smooth, clean bottle for this step. Cut out 6-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a knife. Ensure your circles are as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Now, for the filling. We recommend using approximately ¼ cup (60g) of beef filling per empanada. This amount provides a generous filling without overflowing and creating messy edges. Place the filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border.
Next comes the crucial folding and sealing step. Fold the dough circle in half, forming a half-moon shape, and firmly press the edges together to create a tight seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring a secure closure, or you can use your fingers to pinch and seal the edges. Be sure to press firmly to prevent any leaks during baking.
For a truly professional finish, use a small knife to trim any excess dough around the edges after sealing. This ensures a neat and uniform look. You can also make small decorative cuts along the edges if desired.
Once all your empanadas are assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and ensure even browning. Leave a little space between each empanada to allow for expansion during baking. Before baking, you can optionally brush the empanadas with a beaten egg wash for a golden-brown sheen.
And there you have it! Your empanadas are ready for the oven. Follow the baking instructions in the next section for perfectly cooked, golden-brown, and deliciously filled empanadas.
Baking or Frying the Empanadas
Once your empanadas are crimped and ready, you have two delicious options for cooking them: baking or frying. Both methods yield wonderfully flavorful results, but offer slightly different textures.
Baking offers a healthier alternative, resulting in crispier pastry with less oil absorption. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the empanadas on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through. You can flip them halfway through for more even cooking.
For perfectly baked empanadas, it’s crucial to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature before placing the empanadas inside. Using a thermometer to verify the temperature is highly recommended. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking and soggy bottoms, so be sure to leave enough space.
Frying, on the other hand, produces a richer, more deeply browned and tender pastry. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; this is crucial for even cooking and preventing burning. Carefully place 3-4 empanadas into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy empanadas.
When frying, use tongs to gently turn the empanadas. Once cooked, remove the empanadas from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help to maintain their crispiness.
Regardless of your chosen cooking method, allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burns. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade beef empanadas!
Pro Tip: For extra crispy baked empanadas, brush them with a little egg wash before baking. For fried empanadas, consider using a high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Serving Suggestions
Your freshly baked Delicious and Easy Beef Empanadas are best enjoyed hot and fresh, but they can also be reheated for later enjoyment. For the optimal experience, we recommend serving them immediately after baking, while the filling is still steaming and the pastry is delightfully crisp.
Serving Size: A serving of 2-3 empanadas is generally satisfying, but feel free to adjust based on appetite and other menu items.
As a Main Course: For a complete and hearty meal, serve 3-4 empanadas per person alongside a vibrant salad. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad, or a zesty coleslaw would complement the richness of the empanadas perfectly. Consider adding a side of 1 cup of seasoned rice or 1/2 cup of refried beans for an even more substantial meal.
As an Appetizer or Snack: If serving as appetizers, 1-2 empanadas per person is ample. They are fantastic served with a selection of dipping sauces. We recommend a zesty chimichurri sauce (approximately 2 tablespoons per serving), a creamy avocado crema (1-2 tablespoons per serving), or a spicy jalapeño salsa (1-2 tablespoons per serving). Prepare these sauces ahead of time for optimal flavor and convenience.
Reheating Instructions: Leftover empanadas can be reheated in several ways. For individual empanadas, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. For crispier results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is golden brown again. Avoid over-reheating, as this can dry out the filling and make the pastry tough.
Presentation Matters: Arrange the empanadas beautifully on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for an extra touch of visual appeal. Consider using a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls to enhance the dining experience and cater to different preferences. This elevates your empanadas from a simple snack to a sophisticated culinary experience.
Beverage Pairings: These savory empanadas pair well with a variety of beverages. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the richness of the beef filling. Alternatively, a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a refreshing beer would also be a delightful accompaniment. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with a lime wedge.
Recommendations for Delicious and Easy Beef Empanadas
For the best flavor and texture, serve your empanadas immediately after baking or frying. Their crispy crust and juicy filling are best enjoyed fresh. We recommend serving them warm, straight from the oven or fryer. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a nice finishing touch.
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little oil for a crispier texture.
These empanadas pair beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef filling. Consider a vibrant chimichurri sauce or a spicy salsa for dipping, adding extra layers of flavor and texture. For a complete meal, serve the empanadas alongside a hearty soup, such as a classic beef broth or a zesty tomato soup. Alternatively, a side of seasoned rice or roasted vegetables would complement the flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information (per empanada, approximate): Calories: 350-400; Fat: 20-25g; Saturated Fat: 8-10g; Cholesterol: 50-60mg; Sodium: 400-500mg; Carbohydrates: 30-35g; Fiber: 2-3g; Sugar: 3-5g; Protein: 15-20g. Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Important Note: Always ensure your ingredients are fresh and handle them hygienically. Proper storage and reheating methods are crucial to maintaining food safety and quality. Enjoy!
