Flavorful Empanadas | Easy 5-Step The Best Homemade Snack

If you are looking for a great snack at home that tastes delicious, then you can try these Flavorful Empanadas which are perfect for all parties.

How to make Beef Empanadas at Home is explained in very easy steps just like restaurant quality.

Flavorful Empanadas: The Best Homemade Snack

The crispy golden brown pastry pocket is filled with delicious filling which makes this dish loved all over the world with its versatile flavors.

Empanadas are made with cheese, chicken or sweet filling which makes beef empanadas very hearty in taste.

If you are looking to prepare something for dinner, be it for a function, party or family get together then this is a great and perfect choice as this article has all the step by step recipe.

You will learn all the steps to make beef empanadas at home, including how to assemble them, fry or bake them until golden brown, all explained in simple terms.

Finally, you will learn the perfect recipe and some tips for making a snack that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is full of flavor.

Why are beef empanadas so popular in the US?

• Empanadas have become very popular in the US, eaten as appetizers, snacks or full meals, and you may know that this dish is served in many Latin American restaurants, but if you make it at home, you can customize the fillings to your liking.
• Empanadas are also portable, which is great for potlucks, picnics, and lunch boxes.
• Homemade beef empanadas freeze very easily, and you can prepare them in bulk.  If you are looking for a quick snack on a busy day or are in dire need of something quick, this can be prepared, reheated and eaten right away.

All Ingredients

The ingredients given below can make 15 to 17 medium-sized empanadas.

Dough Ingredients:-

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water, add gradually if needed

Beef Filling Ingredients:-

• 1 pound beef mince, 85/15 lean
• 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 2 boiled eggs, chopped optional but for extra flavor
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped optional – for Latin dishes
• Coriander leaves or crown parsley, optional for garnish

Frying or Baking Ingredients:-

• Frying Ingredients  For fried empanadas I like

• 1 egg, beaten and for baking egg wash

1. Preparing the dough

• Take a large bowl and add the flour and salt as per the quantity and mix well.
• Now add cold butter in pieces to make coarse crumbs and mix well with a pastry cutter or with your fingers.
• Add 1 tablespoon cold water and keep mixing until the dough comes together.
• Knead with your hands lightly until smooth and wrap well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes so that it is easier to roll out the dough.

2. Cook the beef filling

• Take a pan and heat it on medium flame and add olive oil.
• Add chopped bell pepper and onion then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes till it becomes soft.
• Add garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.  Now add the prepared minced beef and make sure to break it up with a wooden spoon then cook till it turns brown.
• Add flavouring ingredients like paprika, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, chili powder and black pepper in the quantity mentioned below and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the beef is nicely spiced and spicy.
• Finally add chopped olives then add boiled egg and mix it well.
• Once the mixture is ready, take it off the flame and keep it aside at room temperature to cool down for giving the filling. Note that egg is optional here.

3. Rolling out the dough

• Sprinkle a little flour on a floured rolling surface and roll out your dough to 1/8 inch thick.
• Cut the dough into circles using a round cutter. Cut into 4.5 inch wide circles, depending on the size you will make 16 to 18 circles.

4. Assembling the Empanadas

• Place 2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each dough circle and fold it into a crescent shape.
• Pinch the edges and use a fork to press down on the edges to give it a classic look and you can also pinch your fingers to press.
• When baking and want a golden, shiny color, brush with a beaten egg to make your dish look even better.

5. Bake or fry

• To bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet, covering them with parchment, and prepare your oven by preheating it to 375° F (190° C) for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
• To fry: Use a deep frying pan and heat oil to 350° F (175° C) and prepare it.
• Now cook small batches of empanadas so that they turn golden brown and fry each one for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, then remove and dry with a paper towel.

6. Serve and savor

If you want to serve these delicious empanadas hot, use a dipping sauce like sour cream, chimichurri, salsa, or guacamole.

The empanadas are crispy, juicy, and delicious.

Serving:-

In lunch box – If you want to eat a balanced meal then you can use it with salad.
Party snack – For party or any function, decorate it on a plate with many types of dipping sauces.
In game day treat – If you want to try something else for a better snack then you can serve it with sliders and nachos which is very amazing

Top Tips for Great Beef Empanadas:

• If your dough gets sticky, make sure to chill it first.
• Do not overfill the empanadas as it may burst while cooking.
• When making the filling, you can add beans, cheese or corn.
• If you do not press the dough firmly, it may leak. To avoid this, press it tightly with your fingers so that it seals properly.
• If you want to refrigerate these delicious empanadas, you can refrigerate them without baking for up to 2 months and then bake them directly from frozen.

Fresh Empanadas FAQs

Q. Can the filling be made ahead?
Yes! You can make the beef filling 2 to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. Make sure to chill it before making it.

Q. Can I use store bought dough to make empanadas?
Yes!  If you want to take a shortcut, you can use refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry, but remember that homemade dough gives you the most flavor and authentic texture.

Q. How to Reheat Flavorful Empanadas?
For best results, reheat in your oven at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Be sure to avoid microwaving as this will make your dish soggy.

Q. What Sauces Should I Use on My Beef Empanadas?
Salsa Roja, chimichurri, sour cream, and spicy aioli make great dips for a richer, more satisfying dip.

Summary

Flavorful empanadas are a perfect balance of crispy pastry and juicy filling that appeals to everyone in every environment. Whether you are baking them to make them healthier or frying them crispier, the step-by-step process is explained in easy steps and you can master this recipe very easily.

Homemade delicious empanadas are not only delicious, but they can also be easily customized to your liking and you can store the leftovers in the freezer to eat the next day. They taste even better and are a must-try for breakfast.

Get ready now to make these delicious homemade beef empanadas instead of eating out and prepare dinner for your family and friends.

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