Description
Golden, flaky pastry wraps succulent ground beef in this classic Latin American empanada, promising a delightful culinary journey. Crisp edges and rich filling make these handheld treats irresistible for anyone craving comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
Other Filling Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Components:
- 1 empanada dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until the meat turns completely brown and loses its raw appearance.
- Incorporate tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Let the beef filling simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and creating a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- While the filling cools, roll out prepared dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a circular cutter or small plate to create uniform dough rounds for consistent empanada size.
- Place a measured spoonful of cooled beef mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving enough border for sealing.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges together with fingertips.
- Crimp the edges using a fork to create a decorative seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Brush the empanadas with beaten egg, which will give them a golden, glossy appearance when baked.
- Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Remove from oven when empanadas are golden brown and crisp, allowing them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by experimenting with cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a personalized flavor profile.
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg