Empanadas Rellenas: Savory Beef Empanadas

Alright, fancy a taste of sunshine in pastry? Ever wondered how to make those delicious little pockets of joy you find at street food markets? This empanada recipe is your ticket to a South American flavour adventure!

Empanadas: More Than Just a Snack, innit?

These savory empanadas are so deeply rooted in south american culture. they are sold in many countries and each one offers their own version.

It’s proper soul food. a sort of cornish pasty but even better! we are going to learn how to make a homemade empanada dough and fill it with a beef empanada recipe .

It might seem a bit daunting to make, but honestly, it’s easier than you think!

This recipe is intermediate level. you'll need about 30 minutes of prep, an hour for the dough to chill (don't skip this bit!).

Then another 30 minutes of baking. the effort is worth it. this recipe yields 12 baked empanadas . enough to share, or not!

Empanadas Rellenas: Savory Beef Empanadas Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:90 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:12 empanadas

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (170g or 6 oz)
• ½ cup ice water (120ml)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 pound ground beef (450g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5ml)
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (1ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1ml)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (410g)
• ¼ cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced (60ml)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15 ml)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add diced tomatoes, olives, and red wine vinegar to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in chopped hard-boiled egg (if using).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter or small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
• Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
• Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Let the empanadas cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:South American

Why This Empanada Recipe is Smashing!

Honestly, besides the fact that they are delicious, empanadas are a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. with this easy empanada recipe , you control exactly what goes in.

Perfect for using up any odds and ends you have in the fridge. also, empanadas are brilliant party food. serve them hot or cold.

Everyone loves them. what makes this authentic empanada recipe special is the perfectly balanced empanada filling recipe ! now we are going to discuss the empanada ingredients .

Alright, smashing! so, you want the lowdown on the empanada ingredients and gear needed for a banging batch of beef empanada recipe ? no worries, i've got you covered.

Honestly, this is simpler than it sounds, even if you're not exactly mary berry in the kitchen. i will explain what you need to create this authentic empanada recipe .

Gearing Up for Empanada Glory

First things first, the right tools can make all the difference. We don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics to knock out these savory empanada recipes .

Essential Tools of the Trade

You'll absolutely need a large bowl for mixing the dough. a pastry blender makes cutting in the butter easier, but two knives work just as well.

A rolling pin is non-negotiable, unless you fancy wrestling the dough. grab a cookie cutter (around 3-4 inches ) or even a small bowl to cut out the circles of dough.

The most important piece is the baking sheet and parchment paper. that is key to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

If you don't have a pastry blender, don't sweat it! i have use two butter knives and honestly i haven't even noticed the difference.

This easy empanada recipe is meant to be stress free.

Unveiling the Magic: Empanada Ingredients

Now, let's talk about what you actually need to make these little beauties. Think of it as a flavour adventure in a neat, handheld package! Let's find out what empanada filling recipe we will use!

Main Ingredients

For the dough: you're looking at 2 ½ cups (300g) of all-purpose flour. just make sure it's fresh, alright? add 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt.

For the butter, you'll need ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) . that is equal to 170g (6 oz) . the butter needs to be seriously cold and cubed.

This is super important for that flaky texture. then, ½ cup (120ml) of ice water is crucial to bind it all together.

Finally, you will need 1 large egg , beaten, for that golden egg wash finish.

For the filling: you want 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. use a good quality one. then, the star of the show: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef.

Make sure to use a good quality mince. after that, 1 medium yellow onion , chopped, and 1 green bell pepper , also chopped, will be needed.

For the garlic, get 2 cloves , minced. a crucial ingredient is 1 (14.5 ounce) can (410g) of diced tomatoes, undrained.

I love adding a chopped 1 hard-boiled egg but it's optional!

Spice is Nice: Seasoning Notes

Here's where things get interesting. for the warmth, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of ground cumin is essential. for a touch of smokiness, ½ teaspoon (2.

5ml) of smoked paprika adds depth. to make sure it's a south american empanadas add ¼ teaspoon (1ml) of dried oregano.

Use ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt and ¼ teaspoon (1ml) of black pepper. the final touch is a splash of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar to brighten everything up.

If you don't have red wine vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice will do in a pinch.

And there you have it! with these empanada ingredients and equipment, you're all set to whip up a batch of baked empanadas that would make your abuela proud! these empanada variations will become a family favorite.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk cooking methods for these beauties. this empanada recipe, like any proper bit of cooking, relies on a few key techniques to get it spot on.

Honestly, even if you are not a professional cook, you can do it! it’s really is like a dance in the kitchen.

Prep Steps for Smashing Empanadas

Essential Mise en Place, innit?

First things first, we have got to get our ducks in a row. mise en place , fancy french term, basically means having everything prepped and ready before you even think about turning on the hob.

Chop your onions, dice your peppers, measure your spices. it’ll save you a world of stress later. trust me on this one, i've been there and done that.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Want to shave off some time? chop your veggies the night before. store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

You could even pre-cook the beef filling a day ahead. just re-heat it before assembling the beef empanada recipe . boom! you've got yourself a head start.

A Quick Word on Kitchen Safety

Right, safety first. watch those fingers when you are chopping. mind the hob is hot, so do not burn yourself.

And wash your hands like you’ve been wrestling in mud. seriously, hygiene is key, especially when handling raw meat.

Right Proper Step-by-Step Process

Okay, here's how we bring it all together. Get ready for an easy empanada recipe !

1. First, chuck flour and salt into a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it looks like breadcrumbs.
2. Next, gradually add ice water. Mix until it just comes together. Don’t overmix!
3. Now, wrap dough. Then, chill for at least 1 hour .
4. After, heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown the ground beef.
5. Then, add onion, pepper, garlic. Cook til soft. Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Next, add tomatoes, olives, vinegar. Simmer for 10- 15 minutes . Stir in egg (optional).
7. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut circles.

See, not too scary, is it?

Cracking Pro Tips for an Authentic Empanada Recipe

Expert Techniques and Shortcuts

Want to make the homemade empanada dough even more flaky? grate the cold butter instead of cubing it. it incorporates more evenly.

And use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar, for a more subtle tang.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overfill the empanadas. seriously! they'll burst in the oven, and you'll have a right mess. also, make sure to crimp those edges tight .

Otherwise, you are just asking for trouble.

Make-Ahead Options

You can assemble the empanadas ahead of time. then, freeze them before baking. when you are ready to eat, just bake them straight from frozen.

Add about 5- 10 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Notes: Empanada Perfection!

So, you're about to embark on your empanada recipe adventure, eh? smashing! before you get flour everywhere, let's run through a few little tips and tricks to make sure your beef empanada recipe turns out absolutely banging.

I've learned a thing or two from my own kitchen mishaps, and i'm sharing it all with you, bestie!

Serving them up proper: Plating and Presentation

Alright, first impressions matter, even with empanadas! think about how you want to present your beautiful savory empanada recipe . a simple plate is fine, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate it.

Or arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of sour cream or guacamole. honestly, a good presentation just makes everything taste better, you know? my go to is some aji sauce to bring a zing.

Pairing your homemade empanada dough delights? a light, crisp salad is the perfect foil to the richness of the empanada filling recipe .

Or how about a refreshing glass of iced tea or a cheeky little glass of chilled white wine? perfect for a summer evening.

Storing your creations

Right then, what if you don't scoff the lot straight away? Well, leftover empanadas are a dream!

Fridge time: Once they've cooled down, pop them in an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: making a batch for the future? ace! freeze them before baking. lay them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to 2 months. genius, isn't it?

Reheating: to reheat, bake frozen empanadas at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 20- 25 minutes, or until heated through.

If they're already baked, a few minutes in the oven or even a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.

Empanada Variations for every craving

Fancy a bit of a twist? There are loads of empanada variations you can try!

Dietary swaps: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough. You can also try a sweet potato baked empanadas dough version. Loads of options.

Seasonal swaps: in the autumn, swap out some of the beef for roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. in the spring, add some fresh peas or asparagus to the filling.

That's the spirit, being creative, the key to find a authentic empanada recipe !

The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk about the good stuff, and by that, i mean fuel. empanadas are a bit of a treat, but they also contain protein from the beef and carbs for energy.

The veggies add a bit of goodness too. remember, everything in moderation!

The empanada ingredients provide vitamins and minerals. The beef has iron, and the tomatoes have lycopene, an antioxidant. Every little helps.

Alright, there you have it! a few extra tips to help you on your easy empanada recipe journey. now go forth and make some smashing empanadas.

You've got this! and remember, even if they're not perfect, they'll still taste delicious. enjoy!