Beef Empanadas Recipe – A Crispy and Flavorful Hand Pie

Craving a delicious beef empanada that's crispy on the outside and flavorful within? Start by making the dough with flour, butter, and a chilling break to guarantee flakiness. For filling, sauté quality ground beef with onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika for a warm, spicy kick. Assemble the pies carefully, crimping edges to avoid spills, then brush with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake at 400°F until gloriously golden. Each empanada is about 300 calories, offering a hearty yet balanced bite. Top with fresh cilantro for added zest. There's much more to discover about perfecting these delectable hand pies.

Key Components for Beef Empanadas

A perfect beef empanada starts with understanding its key components. You need to focus on three essential elements: the filling, the dough, and the seasoning. Each plays a vital role in achieving that savory, satisfying bite.

1. Filling: Choose quality ground beef, ensuring it's well-cooked and tender. Add onions, garlic, and a mix of spices to create depth and richness in every bite.
2. Dough: Opt for a flaky, buttery crust. It should be thin enough to complement the filling without overpowering it, yet sturdy enough to hold everything together.
3. Seasoning: Don't skimp on spices like cumin and paprika. They add warmth and a touch of heat, enhancing the beef's natural flavors, making each empanada truly irresistible.

Fresh Cilantro for Garnish

You've got your beef empanadas ready, but don't forget the fresh cilantro for garnish.

It's not just about looks; cilantro enhances the flavor profile and adds a burst of freshness and aroma that elevates the dish.

Sprinkle it generously to boost visual appeal while complementing the rich, savory filling.

Enhancing Flavor Profile

Elevate your beef empanadas by adding a burst of freshness with a simple garnish of fresh cilantro.

Cilantro's vibrant, citrusy notes perfectly complement the rich, savory beef filling, balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over your empanadas just before serving to preserve its delicate aroma and vibrant green color.

When using cilantro, make certain you wash and pat it dry thoroughly. Chop only the leaves and tender stems, avoiding any tough stalks.

This herb's fresh finish adds a delightful contrast to the warm, flaky crust and flavorful meat. Don't be afraid to be generous; cilantro's bold taste can handle it.

Transform your empanadas from delicious to unforgettable with this simple yet impactful garnish.

Visual Appeal Boost

To make your beef empanadas visually stunning, garnish them with fresh cilantro. This vibrant green herb provides a striking contrast against the golden-brown crust of the empanadas, making the dish look as appetizing as it tastes.

Simply chop a handful of cilantro leaves and sprinkle them generously over your plated empanadas.

Cilantro's bright color catches the eye immediately, creating a fresh and inviting presentation that encourages everyone to dig in. It's not just about looks; the cilantro also signals a hint of freshness, adding an element of sophistication to your dish.

Plus, a plate adorned with fresh herbs always looks more appealing. Adding cilantro is a simple step that elevates your culinary creation to a professional level effortlessly.

Freshness and Aroma

When you garnish your beef empanadas with fresh cilantro, you enhance both their freshness and aroma. Cilantro's bright, citrusy notes add a revitalizing lift to the rich, savory flavors of the beef filling.

As you place the vibrant green leaves atop your empanadas, their natural oils release, instantly invigorating the dish with an enticing scent. This simple addition transforms each bite, offering a burst of freshness that complements the crispy pastry and hearty filling.

You might be tempted to skip the garnish, but don't underestimate cilantro's impact. Its aroma doesn't just tantalize your nose; it sets the stage for a delightful taste experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Beef Empanadas Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions****

Creating delicious beef empanadas at home is easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a batch of golden, flaky empanadas filled with savory beef.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough****

• Action: Combine ingredients to make the dough.
• Tools/Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into cubes), 1 egg, 1/3 cup ice water.
• Tip: Verify the butter is cold to create a flaky texture. Avoid over-mixing the dough; it should be just combined.

Step 2: Chill the Dough****

• Action: Wrap and chill the dough.
• Tools/Ingredients: Plastic wrap, refrigerator.
• Tip: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the dough from becoming too sticky and difficult to handle.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling****

• Action: Sauté and season the beef mixture.
• Tools/Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Tip: Brown the beef thoroughly to enhance flavor, and drain excess fat to prevent a soggy filling.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Simmer****

• Action: Incorporate vegetables and let the mixture simmer.
• Tools/Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, 1/4 cup chopped olives, 1/4 cup raisins (optional), 1/4 cup beef broth.
• Tip: Simmer until the mixture is thick and well-combined, about 10 minutes. Avoid adding too much liquid; the filling should be moist but not runny.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough****

• Action: Roll the dough into thin circles.
• Tools/Ingredients: Rolling pin, flour for dusting.
• Tip: Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Dust your surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas****

• Action: Fill and seal the empanadas.
• Tools/Ingredients: Dough circles, beef filling, fork for crimping, egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water).
• Tip: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling onto each dough circle. Fold in half and use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.

Step 7: Bake the Empanadas****

• Action: Bake until golden brown.
• Tools/Ingredients: Baking sheet, parchment paper, oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
• Tip: Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve****

• Action: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
• Tip: Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade beef empanadas! These steps guarantee a perfect balance of flaky pastry and flavorful filling.

Dough Chilling Process

Patience is key as you begin the dough chilling process, an essential step for perfect beef empanadas. Start by wrapping your prepared dough tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the gluten relax and the butter firm up, which makes rolling easier and creates a flakier crust.

During this time, avoid disturbing the dough. Let it rest undisturbed to guarantee even texture. While waiting, you can prepare the filling or tidy up your workspace.

Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it's too hard to roll. You're now ready to craft your empanadas!

Baking in a Hot Oven

For achieving perfectly baked empanadas, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

While the oven heats, arrange your empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they're spaced apart to allow even heat distribution. Brush each empanada with a beaten egg wash; this step is essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust.

Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

After removing them from the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy. Enjoy your delicious, homemade beef empanadas!

Calorie Count Per Serving

When you're indulging in a delicious beef empanada, it's important to keep an eye on the calorie count per serving. Empanadas are delightful, but knowing the nutritional content helps you balance your diet. On average, a single beef empanada provides about 300 calories. This count can vary based on the ingredients and portion size. Here's a breakdown to help you visualize:

Conclusion

You've mastered the art of creating beef empanadas, a delightful dance of crispy crust and savory filling. As you savor each bite, the warmth of spices contrasts with the fresh zing of cilantro, creating a symphony of flavors. These hand pies, though small, pack a big punch of satisfaction, offering both comfort and excitement. With every empanada, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're embracing a rich tradition, one delicious bite at a time.