The Best Flaky Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe: How To Make Them Like A Pro

Empanadas, the beloved Latin American pastries, have captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. Their flaky crust and savory filling make them an irresistible treat. While making empanadas may seem intimidating, it’s easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will demystify the process and empower you to create the most delectable flaky ground beef empanadas.

The Perfect Empanada Dough

The key to a flaky empanada is the dough. Use a high-quality flour for a light and crispy texture. Add a touch of salt to enhance the flavor and prevent the dough from becoming bland.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

The Savory Ground Beef Filling

The filling is the heart of the empanada. For the most flavorful ground beef, use a combination of ground chuck and ground sirloin. Season it generously with spices and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Assembling and Baking the Empanadas

Once you have the dough and filling ready, it’s time to assemble and bake the empanadas. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Instructions:

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/16 inch.
2. Cut out circles from the dough using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a glass.
3. Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the tops of the empanadas with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips for Flaky Empanadas

• Use high-quality flour and cold butter for the dough.
• Work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Use ice water to keep the dough cold and prevent it from becoming tough.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Roll out the dough thinly to create flaky layers.
• Seal the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash before baking for a golden brown crust.

Serving and Enjoying

Serve the flaky ground beef empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce. They are perfect as an appetizer, main course, or snack. Enjoy their crispy crust and flavorful filling.

The Art of Empanada Folding

Folding empanadas is a skill that takes practice. Here are a few techniques to help you achieve a perfect seal:

• The Half-Moon Fold: Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork.
• The Empanada Crimp: Pinch the edges of the dough together and fold them over to create a decorative border.
• The Braid Fold: Braid the edges of the dough to create a unique and secure seal.

Experimenting with Fillings

While ground beef is a classic filling, there are endless possibilities for empanada fillings. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken and cheese
• Spinach and feta
• Ham and Swiss
• Vegetables and tofu

The Final Touch: Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces add an extra layer of flavor to empanadas. Here are a few suggestions:

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo

Summary: A Culinary Adventure

Making flaky ground beef empanadas is a culinary adventure that will impress your family and friends. By following these simple steps and incorporating the tips and techniques provided, you can create mouthwatering empanadas that will become a favorite dish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey of flaky goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my empanada dough even flakier?

• Use a high-quality flour with a high protein content.
• Work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Use ice water to keep the dough cold and prevent it from becoming tough.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making empanadas?

• Overworking the dough, which can make it tough.
• Not sealing the empanadas tightly, which can cause the filling to leak out.
• Baking the empanadas at too low a temperature, which can prevent them from becoming flaky.

How can I store leftover empanadas?

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.