How To Bake Beef Empanadas: A Step-by-step Guide For The Perfect Pastry

Craving a savory and satisfying treat? Look no further than the delectable beef empanada! This handheld pastry has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide, and now you can master the art of baking these golden delights in your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to bake beef empanadas and indulge in a taste of culinary heaven.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

#1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

#2. Make the Filling:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
• Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the cilantro and cheddar cheese (if using).

#3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
• Cut out 12 circles from the dough using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
• Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork.

#4. Brush with Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
• Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.

#5. Bake:

• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

#6. Let Cool and Serve:

• Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your homemade beef empanadas!

Tips for Perfect Empanadas:

• Use cold ingredients for the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make it dry.
• Crimp the edges of the empanadas firmly to prevent them from opening during baking.
• If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a glass or a cup to cut out the dough circles.
• Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Nutritional Information:

One beef empanada (without cheese) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12 grams
• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef.

2. How can I make the empanadas vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.

3. Can I freeze the empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze the baked or unbaked empanadas. Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Baked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months.

4. How do I reheat the empanadas?

To reheat baked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. To reheat unbaked empanadas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them as directed.

5. What are some other fillings I can use?

You can fill empanadas with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, vegetables, or fruit. Some popular fillings include:

• Cheese and spinach
• Ham and cheese
• Chicken and vegetables