Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a delicious and savory treat enjoyed worldwide. These flavorful hand-held pastries are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a simple family dinner. If you're looking for an easy way to make these at home, you're in the right place! In this article, we’ll walk you through every step to create mouthwatering homemade ground beef empanadas. From the ingredients to the cooking process, we'll ensure you have all the details you need to make the best empanadas right in your kitchen. Keep reading to find out how you can master this recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are pastry turnovers that can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients. Originating in Spain, empanadas have spread throughout Latin America, each country adding its unique twist. While they can be stuffed with various fillings, one of the most popular is ground beef. Ground beef empanadas are simple to make, flavorful, and versatile enough for any meal. The tender and flaky pastry combined with the savory beef filling makes for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need. For the filling and the dough, you'll need the following:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup ice-cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

• Meat Substitutes: If you're not a fan of ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian option, swap out the meat entirely and use sautéed mushrooms, beans, or even lentils.
• Cheese Filling: Some people enjoy adding shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the beef mixture, which creates a gooey, cheesy center.
• Spices: Customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add chili powder for heat, or swap out cumin for smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Dough Alternatives: While homemade dough is best, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry in a pinch to save time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to make homemade ground beef empanadas. The process involves two main parts: preparing the filling and making the dough.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
4. Add Seasoning: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the meat with spices.
5. Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the pan, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Optional Add-Ins: If you’re using olives or hard-boiled eggs, add them now and mix thoroughly.
7. Cool the Filling: Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before using it to fill the empanadas.

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar.
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

How to Cook Ground Beef Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Assembling the Empanadas

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
2. Cut Circles: Using a round cutter or a cup, cut out circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.
5. Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.

Baking the Empanadas

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to add too much filling, as this can make it difficult to seal the empanadas properly and may cause them to burst while baking.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the empanadas their beautiful golden color, so don’t skip this step!
• Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is important for creating a tender, flaky crust. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before using it.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Empanadas can be served as appetizers, main dishes, or snacks. They pair well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and serving style:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve your empanadas with a side of chimichurri, salsa, or a tangy garlic aioli for dipping.
• On a Platter: Arrange your empanadas on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
• With a Side Salad: For a more complete meal, serve the empanadas alongside a light salad, such as mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Basket Presentation: Place the empanadas in a lined basket for a rustic, casual feel, perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Plated Elegance: For a more refined look, place the empanadas on individual plates with a drizzle of sauce and a sprig of fresh herbs.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling and the dough a day in advance and assemble the empanadas when you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing: Empanadas freeze well! Assemble the empanadas and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to taste the filling as you cook and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry empanadas! Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

How do I prevent my empanadas from leaking?

To prevent leaks, avoid overfilling the empanadas and ensure that the edges are sealed properly. Using a fork to crimp the edges helps secure the filling inside.

Can I make the dough without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with shortening or even margarine, but the texture and flavor might slightly change. Butter gives the dough its flakiness and rich flavor.

Conclusion

Making homemade ground beef empanadas is easier than you think, and the result is a delicious, flavorful treat that's sure to impress. With a tender, flaky crust and a savory beef filling, these empanadas are perfect for any occasion. Follow the steps and tips outlined above, and you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect empanadas in no time. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!

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