Crispy Beef Empanadas are delicious pastries filled with a savory beef mixture. These handheld delights are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even a main meal. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crispy Beef Empanadas is not only fun but also a great way to bring friends and family together. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a cozy meal, or just wanting to try your hand at something new, this recipe is perfect. With a flaky crust and a flavorful filling, these empanadas are sure to please any crowd.
How to Make Crispy Beef Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cubed cold unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- ⅓ cup finely diced jalapeno (about 1 medium jalapeno)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium potato, small diced
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add this mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeno, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until brown. Stir in the tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth, diced potato, and peas. Cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- To Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with a mixture of egg and water.
How to Serve Crispy Beef Empanadas
Serve your Crispy Beef Empanadas warm, alongside a dipping sauce like salsa or guacamole. They make a great appetizer or snack for any gathering. Enjoy them straight out of the oven or at room temperature for a tasty treat.
How to Store Crispy Beef Empanadas
To store leftover empanadas, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to thaw and bake them before serving.
Tips to Make Crispy Beef Empanadas
- Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky crust.
- Let the filling cool before adding it to the dough.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to seal them properly.
- Experiment with different spices or veggies for unique flavors.
Variation
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding cheese or different vegetables can also give your empanadas a tasty twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
Q: How can I tell when the empanadas are done?
A: They should be golden brown and crispy when baked. Keep an eye on them while they cook.
Q: Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Just ensure your oven is preheated and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Crispy Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Provides the main structure of the empanada
- ¾ cup cubed cold unsalted butter Important for a flaky crust
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor of the dough
- 1 large egg Bind the dough together
- ½ cup milk Adds moisture to the dough
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped Adds sweetness and flavor
- ⅓ cup finely diced jalapeno Adds spiciness (about 1 medium jalapeno)
- 1 pound ground beef Main protein source
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds richness to the filling
- 1 teaspoon chili powder For extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika For color and flavor
- 1 teaspoon cumin Adds warmth
- ½ teaspoon oregano Herb flavor
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth Helps to bind and flavor the filling
- 1 medium potato, small diced Adds heartiness
- ¼ cup frozen peas Adds color and sweetness
- 1 egg for egg wash Helps achieve golden brown color
- 2 tablespoons water To mix with the egg for wash
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Add this mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and jalapeno, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef broth, diced potato, and peas.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with a mixture of egg and water.
