Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe – A Delicious Homemade Snack!

Beef Empanadas Recipe: A Must-Try for Any Food Enthusiast

If you’re a foodie or home cook seeking new and exciting recipes, it’s time to include beef empanadas in your repertoire. These flaky, golden pockets filled with savoury beef are adored across cultures for their incredible taste and versatility.

Whether you’re crafting a midweek meal for the family or preparing a showstopping snack for your next gathering, beef empanadas are sure to impress.

Beyond their delicious flavour, empanadas carry cultural significance. Originating from Spain and popularised across Latin America, empanadas are a culinary treasure steeped in history.

Each region boasts its own variation, offering endless inspiration for creative home cooks. Best of all, this recipe simplifies the process, letting you prepare these crowd-pleasers with ease and precision.

Curious to explore more recipes beyond beef empanadas? Grab a Well Plate Cookbook packed with international dishes to expand your culinary skills and savour the world’s flavours from the comfort of your kitchen.

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Ingredients and Tools You Need

Creating beef empanadas at home starts with sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients and having the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups of plain flour
• 1 tsp of salt
• 200g of cold, unsalted butter (cubed)
• 1/2 cup of cold water
• 1 egg yolk (optional, for extra richness)

For the Filling:

• 500g of ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup of tomato paste
• 1 tsp of smoked paprika
• 1 tsp of cumin
• 1/2 tsp of chilli powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, diced (optional)

Tools and Equipment

• A large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Round pastry cutter or a bowl for shaping
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• Fork (for crimping)
• Cooking skillet
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water and egg yolk (if using), mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid over-kneading to keep the pastry tender.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
2. Add garlic, diced red bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend.
4. Mix in the chopped olives and hard-boiled egg, then set aside to cool.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles using a pastry cutter or the rim of a bowl (approx. 10-12 cm in diameter).
4. Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
5. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.

4. Bake the Empanadas

1. Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking tray.
2. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are crisp and golden brown.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this recipe your own by customising the filling or dough:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans.
• Healthier Dough: Use whole wheat flour for added fibre, or try a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For a restaurant-quality presentation:

• Plate the empanadas on a wooden board and serve with small bowls of dipping sauces, such as chimichurri, salsa verde, or a tangy tomato dip.
• Pair your empanadas with a light side salad and roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
• Beverage options include a chilled glass of white wine, iced tea, or even a zesty lemonade to elevate the dining experience.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

Empanadas can be surprisingly nutritious when made with wholesome ingredients:

• The ground beef provides a high-quality source of protein and essential vitamins like B12.
• Adding bell peppers boosts the meal’s vitamin C content.
• Using olive oil instead of butter in the dough can lower saturated fat content for a heart-healthier option.

For specific dietary needs, consider using lean beef, low-fat cheese, or wholegrain dough to make your empanadas even lighter.

Read more : Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Explore the World with a Cookbook

Your culinary adventure doesn’t have to end here. A Well Plate cookbook can guide you through countless international recipes, including empanadas, so you can transport your taste buds to different cultures. Whether you’re looking to perfect your empanada technique or explore dishes like Moroccan tagines or Japanese ramen, a quality cookbook can be your best companion in the kitchen.

Go ahead and give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your empanada creations and tag us—we’d love to see your masterpiece.