Beef Empanadas
Crispy, Flaky, and Delicious: How to Make Authentic Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are a beloved dish across many Latin American countries, and for good reason. These savory, hand-held pies are filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, but today, we’re celebrating one of the most classic versions: Beef Empanadas. Perfectly seasoned beef, wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, these empanadas are the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just want a satisfying snack, these empanadas are sure to be a hit.
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any gathering or casual meal. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, but this beef version is a classic that never disappoints. With the perfect balance of savory beef, tangy olives, and aromatic spices, each bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re familiar with Latin cuisine or just looking to try something new, these empanadas are a great way to experience the rich culinary heritage of Hispanic cultures. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
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Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Beef Empanadas
Beef empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides and dips to elevate your meal. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
With a Fresh Salad: Pair your empanadas with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing flavors of the salad perfectly balance the rich, savory filling of the empanadas. Try a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and cherry tomatoes with a zesty lime dressing for a Latin-inspired touch.
Rice and Beans: Serve your empanadas with a side of rice and beans to create a more filling and traditional meal. You can opt for classic white or yellow rice, or even cilantro-lime rice for an extra burst of flavor. Black beans or refried beans with a sprinkle of cheese and cilantro also make excellent sides.
Dipping Sauces: Elevate your empanadas with some tasty dipping sauces! Popular choices include chimichurri, a flavorful parsley and garlic sauce, or salsa verde, a tangy tomatillo-based sauce. If you like a little heat, spicy chipotle mayo or sour cream mixed with hot sauce adds a delicious kick.
Tostones or Fried Plantains: Add a side of fried plantains or tostones (twice-fried green plantains) for a sweet or savory complement. The caramelized sweetness of ripe plantains or the crispiness of tostones provides a delightful contrast to the savory beef filling.
Guacamole or Pico de Gallo: A side of fresh guacamole or pico de gallo is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy avocado and fresh, citrusy tomatoes add a refreshing element to the rich empanadas, making each bite even more satisfying.
Hot Sauce or Salsa: If you enjoy extra heat, offer a variety of hot sauces or salsas on the side. A classic salsa roja, or a smoky chipotle salsa, can add a burst of bold flavors to each empanada.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner, these pairing ideas will help create a well-rounded meal, making your empanadas even more irresistible!
Delicious Variations to Try!
Cheese Lover’s Empanadas: Add a handful of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, to the beef filling for an extra creamy and indulgent bite. Cheese pairs wonderfully with the seasoned beef and adds a melty surprise inside.
Spicy Beef Empanadas: If you like a little heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling. You can also serve your empanadas with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an added kick.
Chicken Empanadas: Swap the beef for shredded chicken, seasoned with similar spices like cumin and paprika. You can also add a bit of sautéed bell pepper and onion for a hearty and flavorful alternative.
Vegetarian Empanadas: For a meatless option, fill your empanadas with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach, along with a spoonful of black beans or corn. You can also use mashed sweet potatoes for a deliciously sweet and savory twist.
Empanadas with a Sweet Twist: Try making dessert empanadas by swapping the savory filling for a sweet one. Use a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar to create apple pie empanadas, or fill them with dulce de leche for a rich, caramel-flavored treat.
These variations allow you to explore different flavors and tailor the empanadas to suit your preferences, making them a versatile dish for any occasion!
Beef Empanadas
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Pastry cutter or fork (for mixing dough)
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Round cutter or small bowl (for cutting dough circles)
- 1 Large skillet (for cooking the beef filling)
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring the filling)
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- 1 Pastry brush (for applying egg wash)
- 1 Fork (for sealing the edges of the empanadas)
- 1 Knife (for chopping ingredients)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ Cup Unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 Large egg
- ½ Cup Cold water
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 Small onion, finely diced
- 1 Clove, minced
- ½ Cup Green olives, chopped
- ½ Cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 Beaten with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar.
- Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the green olives, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool. Stir in the chopped hard-boiled egg if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out 4- to 5-inch circles of dough.
- Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Empanadas
- Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Storage Tips
To store your Beef Empanadas, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the empanadas by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
Celebrate Culture and Flavor with Every Empanada
These beef empanadas are a celebration of flavors and tradition, making them perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month or any occasion. The crispy, flaky crust paired with the savory beef filling will have everyone coming back for more. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the traditional beef filling or experiment with different ingredients, these empanadas are a blank canvas for creativity. They’re perfect for freezing and reheating, making them a convenient option for quick snacks or meals on busy days. We’d love to hear how your empanadas turned out, so be sure to leave a comment and share your experience. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for more flavorful dishes straight to your inbox!