How To Make Ground Beef Empanadas – The Easy Way!

Empanadas, those tantalizing pastries filled with an array of flavors, have captivated taste buds worldwide. This blog post will guide you through the art of making ground beef empanadas, a classic and beloved dish. Follow these steps to create these savory delights in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

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

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
• Drain any excess fat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the cilantro.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
• Cut out circles of dough using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
• Place a heaping spoonful of the ground beef mixture in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
• Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg.

4. Bake the Empanadas

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

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas:

• Use cold ingredients for the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Do not overwork the dough, or it will become tough.
• Crimp the edges of the empanadas well to prevent them from opening during baking.
• Brush the empanadas with egg wash for a golden brown crust.
• Bake the empanadas until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Variations:

• Add shredded cheese or olives to the filling for extra flavor.
• Use different types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or turkey, in the filling.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.

The Final Touch: Dipping Sauces

Empanadas are often served with dipping sauces to enhance their flavors. Here are some popular options:

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Chimichurri

Information You Need to Know

Q: Why are my empanadas tough?
A: The dough may have been overworked or the ingredients were not cold enough.

Q: How can I prevent the empanadas from opening during baking?
A: Make sure to crimp the edges of the empanadas well and brush them with egg wash.

Q: What is the best way to reheat empanadas?
A: Empanadas can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per empanada.