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Beef Empanadas Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

These Beef Empanadas feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and spices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish that pairs well with your favorite dips.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 5 tablespoons chilled water (adjust as needed)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 500 gm (approximately 1 lb) ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped or shredded carrot
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon adobo spice mix
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • Milk or 1 beaten egg (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine all dry dough ingredients and chilled butter, rubbing together with your fingers or a food processor until the mixture resembles wet sand or breadcrumbs.
  2. Add Liquids: Mix in the vinegar and milk, then gradually add chilled water while kneading until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Avoid over-kneading.
  3. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 1 hour to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
  4. Prepare the Filling: Heat a pan and brown the ground beef to release excess water, then add oil and fry for 3 more minutes.
  5. Cook Vegetables: Add chopped onion to the pan and cook until translucent, then stir in bell pepper and carrot and cook over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked.
  6. Season the Filling: Add paprika, cumin, adobo spice mix, and salt. Stir well and cook for another minute to blend the flavors. Let the filling cool to room temperature or slightly warm to maintain the dough’s texture.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness. Use a floured cookie cutter, glass, or bowl to cut dough into circles of desired size.
  9. Fill Empanadas: Place about a teaspoon or more of filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold each circle in half and press edges firmly together, sealing with a fork for a decorative finish.
  10. Brush Topping: Brush the empanadas with either milk or beaten egg for a golden crust.
  11. Bake: Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or about 17 minutes for medium-sized empanadas, until golden brown.
  12. Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dip or sauce.

Notes

  • Adjust water quantity based on flour brand as dough consistency may vary.
  • Letting the filling cool before assembling prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
  • You can seal the edges by folding or pressing with a fork, whichever you prefer.
  • Milk wash yields a softer crust; egg wash creates a shinier, golden finish.
  • Empanadas can be frozen before baking for later use—bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/beef-empanadas-recipe/