Easy-to-follow Recipe: How To Make Ground Beef Empanadas In Just 30 Minutes!

Craving a taste of Argentina? Empanadas, the beloved handheld pastries filled with savory ingredients, are a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make ground beef empanadas that are both authentic and delicious.

The Perfect Empanada Dough

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup ice water

2. Create a 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 the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the ice water.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Savory Ground Beef Filling

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef.
• Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices, such as cumin, oregano, or chili powder.

2. Add Vegetables:

• Dice 1 onion and 1 bell pepper and add them to the skillet.
• Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Incorporate Liquid:

• Add 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet.
• Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.

Assembling the Empanadas

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

2. Cut Circles:

• Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles out of the dough.

3. Fill and Seal:

• Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Baking Perfection

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Empanadas:

• Brush the empanadas with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sea salt, if desired.

3. Bake:

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

Serving and Enjoying

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a touch of freshness.

2. Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Different Fillings:

• Experiment with other fillings, such as chicken, pork, cheese, or vegetables.

2. Gluten-Free Dough:

• Use gluten-free flour to make the dough suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Baking vs. Frying:

• You can also fry the empanadas in hot oil until golden brown.

Tips for Success

1. Use Cold Ingredients:

• Cold butter and water help create a flaky crust.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough:

• Overworking the dough will make it tough.

3. Seal the Empanadas Well:

• Proper sealing prevents the filling from leaking out.

4. Preheat the Oven:

• A preheated oven ensures even cooking.

5. Brush with Egg Wash:

• Egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden color.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How can I freeze the empanadas?
Baked or unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.

3. What are some dipping sauce options?
Popular dipping sauces include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chimichurri.