How To Make Ground Beef Empanadas: A Tasty And Filling Snack For Any Occasion!

Embark on a culinary journey with this comprehensive guide on how to make tantalizing ground beef empanadas. These savory pastries, a staple of Latin American cuisine, are filled with a delectable blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and tantalizing fillings, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown crust. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create these irresistible treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gathering the Essential Ingredients

To begin your empanada-making adventure, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Egg (for egg wash)

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant.
4. Drain Excess Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Crafting the Perfect Empanada Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough into a thin circle, about 1/16 inch thick.
2. Cut Out Circles: Using a 4-inch round cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles from the dough.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a heaping tablespoon of the ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.

Assembling and Baking the Empanadas

1. Fold the Empanadas: Fold the empanada dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
2. Egg Wash: Brush the empanadas with lightly beaten egg.
3. Bake the Empanadas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the empanadas on the sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving and Enjoying Your Ground Beef Empanadas

Once your empanadas are perfectly baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Empanadas

• Use a lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 for the ground beef to ensure a juicy and flavorful filling.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas. Too much filling will make them difficult to seal and may burst during baking.
• Crimp the edges of the empanadas securely to prevent them from opening up in the oven.
• Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving to prevent the filling from burning your mouth.

Variations on the Classic Ground Beef Empanadas

• Chicken Empanadas: Substitute cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
• Vegetable Empanadas: Omit the ground beef and fill the empanadas with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and corn.
• Cheese Empanadas: Add shredded cheese to the ground beef filling for a gooey and cheesy surprise.
• Spicy Empanadas: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a touch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.

Takeaways: A Culinary Triumph

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the knowledge and skills to craft delicious ground beef empanadas that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, the art of empanada-making is accessible to all who embrace it. So, gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I freeze empanadas?

A: Yes, empanadas can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the empanadas but do not egg wash or bake them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator and then brush with egg wash and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: What is the best dipping sauce for empanadas?

A: Empanadas can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, including salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chimichurri, or aji verde.

Q: How can I make vegetarian empanadas?

A: To make vegetarian empanadas, simply omit the ground beef and fill the empanadas with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and corn. You can also add beans or lentils to the filling for additional protein.