Beef Empanadas

Beef empanadas are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal that features a flaky crust filled with savory ground beef and colorful vegetables. This dish is popular in many cultures, making it a versatile recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Why Make This Recipe Making beef empanadas at home is a delightful way to bring comforting flavors to your kitchen. They are easy to prepare, and you can make them in batches to enjoy throughout the week. Plus, they are great for parties and can be served hot or at room temperature, making them a handy option for any occasion.

How to Make Beef Empanadas Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the veggies are soft.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour in the water and stir well. Let it simmer until most of the liquid is gone.
6. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the chopped cilantro.
7. In another bowl, mix the almond flour and salt.
8. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs.
9. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of cold water. Add this to the flour and butter mix to form a dough.
10. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
11. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
12. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one half of each dough circle.
13. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
14. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
15. Beat another egg and brush it over the tops of the empanadas.
16. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
17. Serve hot, with more chopped cilantro if you like.

How to Serve Beef Empanadas Beef empanadas are best served hot out of the oven. You can serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. They also make a great snack at parties or can be added to a meal alongside a fresh salad.

How to Store Beef Empanadas Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make Beef Empanadas Make sure to brown the beef well for richer flavor. You can add your favorite spices to the beef mix to customize the taste. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more almond flour while rolling it out.

Variation (If Any) Feel free to add vegetables like corn or olives to the beef filling. You can also use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour? Yes, you can use regular flour, but cooking times may vary.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
3. Can I bake empanadas instead of frying them? Yes, baking is a healthier option, and they turn out delicious!