Beefy Bliss Empanadas a Savory Hand Pie Delight
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Fancy a bit of Latin American sunshine on a plate? These Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas are just the ticket! Honestly, who can resist a golden, flaky pastry packed with flavour?
A Bite of Tradition
Empanadas , those delightful Latin American Hand Pies, have been around for ages. They are basically little pockets of happiness! This Beef Empanadas Recipe is easy, and it brings a bit of that culture right to your table.
This recipe is medium difficulty, taking around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes to make, and it yields around 8 empanadas.
Perfect for a weekend cooking project or a weeknight treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Beef Empanadas aren't just tasty; they are also packed with protein, thanks to the beef. They're perfect for a party as Empanada Appetizers , a satisfying lunch, or even a quick dinner.
What makes this Cheese Empanadas Recipe special? The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and that homemade dough... Oh my gosh , it's divine!
Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for Empanada Magic
Right, let's talk about what you'll actually need to whip up these Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas . No fancy chef skills required, promise.
But good ingredients make all the difference, you know?
Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List
- For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) . Plain flour is fine.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Don't skip it!
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cubed. Gotta be fridge cold for that flaky crust. Seriously, cold is key.
- Ice water: ½ cup (120ml) . Yep, with ice.
- Large egg: 1 , beaten for brushing. Makes 'em shiny!
- For the Filling:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Just a drizzle to get started.
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . 80/20 blend is great, but whatever you fancy. This is great for Beef Empanadas .
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Essential for flavour!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, doesn't it?
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon . Adds a bit of warmth.
- Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon . Earthy goodness!
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon . Gives it a BBQ vibe.
- Dried oregano: ¼ teaspoon . A touch of Mediterranean.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste. Obvs.
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Adds moisture and flavour.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115g) . Cheddar is classic Cheese Empanadas
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: ½ cup (60g) . Melts like a dream.
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped (optional). If you like it, whack it in!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
For the filling, don't be afraid to play around with the spices. The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are a fab combo, giving you that classic Southwestern flavour.
Want a bit more heat? A pinch of cayenne will sort you right out. No oregano? Use Italian seasoning it's basically the same thing.
It can be used in this Beef Empanadas Recipe
Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Fancy
- Large mixing bowl. For the dough.
- Pastry blender or food processor. Makes the dough making easier, honestly. But hands work too!
- Rolling pin. For rolling out that gorgeous dough.
- 3-4 inch round cookie cutter or bowl. To cut out perfect circles.
- Baking sheet. To bake the little blighters on.
- Parchment paper. Stops 'em from sticking.
No need to stress about having the perfect kit. A fork works just as well to crimp the edges, and a pint glass can sub in for a cookie cutter.
It's all about making these Easy Empanada Recipe work for you .
Cooking Method: Baking Like a Boss
Right, let's talk baking! Specifically, baking our awesome Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas . Baking is like the gentle giant of cooking methods, nice and steady. No crazy flames or splattering oil.
It's all about that even heat, you know? And it is absolutely perfect to obtain these wonderful Latin American Hand Pies , also named Beef Empanadas .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mania
Essential mise en place is the key. Get your ingredients measured and prepped. Honestly, it makes such a difference. It's like having all your tools ready before starting DIY, innit?
Time saving tip? Chop all your veggies in one go. Store them in containers. Boom, you're halfway there. Also, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
Do it before you even start mixing.
Safety first! Oven mitts are your best mates. Trust me, you don't want to burn your hands. Also, always use parchment paper.
It will save your life to remove the Empanada Appetizers from the tray.
step-by-step Baking Process for Golden Goodness
Brush your assembled Beef Empanadas with that beaten egg. It gives them that lovely golden sheen.
Pop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. This prevents sticking. A true game changer.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Keep an eye on them!
Visual cue? They should be a gorgeous golden brown. A bit of puffiness is good too.
Critical temperature : We want that dough cooked through. You can test this by cutting into the thickest part of an empanada.
Pro Tips: Baking Like a Pro
Expert tip: Cold dough bakes better. If your empanadas look a bit melty, chill them for 10 minutes before baking.
Common mistake? Overbaking. This dries out the filling. Keep an eye on the color, not just the time.
make-ahead? You can assemble the Cheese Empanadas in advance. Freeze them unbaked. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
This means you can use the Homemade Empanada Dough whenever you fancy.
And that's it! Baking these bad boys is easier than you think. With these tips, you'll be whipping up Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas like a true culinary master.
Let me know how your Beef Empanadas Recipe turns out! Get cooking now! The resulting Easy Empanada Recipe is worth the try.
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Empanada Game
Okay, so you're ready to tackle these Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas ? Ace! Before you dive in, let’s chat about a few things that'll make your empanada experience even better.
These are my personal tips, stuff I’ve learned from making loads of these. I'm not going to lie, my first batch of Beef Empanadas ? Total disaster.
But hey, we learn from our mistakes, right?
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pop!
Presentation matters, even for something as humble as a Latin American Hand Pies . Instead of just slapping them on a plate, try arranging them artfully.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can make them look super fancy. I like to serve mine with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
A side of fresh salsa? Oh my gosh, amazing . And don't forget a drink! A cold cerveza or even just a sparkling water with lime is perfect.
Think of this a party Empanada Appetizers
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Honestly, these are best eaten fresh. But life happens, yeah? If you've got leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll be good for about 3-4 days . Want to freeze them? Go for it! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then toss them into a freezer bag.
They can hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months . To reheat, bake them at 350° F ( 175° C) until they’re warmed through and the crust is crispy.
Microwaving them will make them sad and soggy. Trust me on this one!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Got dietary restrictions? No sweat! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free Homemade Empanada Dough . Swap the Ground Beef Empanada Filling for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian twist.
Change the cheese. Like a hotter taste? Use jalapeno cheese. Are you a fan of spicy food? Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder.
Use your imagination and have fun!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let’s be real. These aren't exactly health food. But they do have some good stuff going on! You are getting protein from the beef and calcium from the cheese.
Everything in moderation, eh? This Easy Empanada Recipe gives you an estimated 420 calories per serving.
So there you have it. All my little secrets for making the perfect Cheese Empanadas Recipe . Now go forth and create some empanada magic! I reckon your friends and family will love them.
Don't worry about being perfect. Just have fun and enjoy the process. And if they don't turn out perfectly the first time? Who cares! Just try again.
It's all about the journey, innit?
Frequently Asked Questions
My dough is too sticky! What did I do wrong?
Ah, sticky dough! It happens to the best of us. Chances are, you might have added too much water. Don't fret! Just lightly dust your work surface with flour and gently knead in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes more manageable. Remember, cold butter is your friend, so work quickly!
Can I make these Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure they are well covered to prevent the dough from drying out. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with these Beefy Bliss Empanadas?
Think of these empanadas as the rock stars of the appetizer world! They pair perfectly with a dollop of sour cream, a vibrant guacamole, or a fresh salsa. For a full meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or some Mexican rice and beans. They're pretty versatile, like a good pair of jeans!
Can I use different types of cheese in my Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas?
You bet! The cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combo, but feel free to get creative. Pepper Jack will add a little kick, queso fresco offers a more authentic Latin flavour, or even some mozzarella will do the trick. It's your empanada fiesta, so dance to your own cheesy beat!
How do I store leftover Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas?
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they might not be as crispy.
If you want to freeze your cooked empanadas, you can wrap them individually with plastic wrap, and then place them in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Help! My empanadas burst open during baking! What did I do wrong and how can I fix this?
Burst empanadas are a common kitchen mishap, a bit like a plot twist in a cooking show. Usually, it means you've overfilled them, or that the crimp wasn't strong enough. Next time, be sure to use slightly less filling. For sealing, press firmly with the fork to make a tight crimp.
You can also brush a little egg wash inside the edge of the dough before folding to help it stick. Good luck, you've got this!
Beefy Bliss Empanadas A Savory Hand Pie Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
