Description
Savory ground beef empanadas delight palates with Argentine culinary charm. Flaky pastry shells cradle seasoned meat, promising a delectable journey through Latin American flavors you’ll savor with each crisp, delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
Spices, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pie crust or empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until meat loses its pink color and develops a rich brown exterior.
- Incorporate tomato paste and aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
- Allow the filling to simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-7 minutes, ensuring all ingredients meld together completely.
- Roll out prepared dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into uniform circular shapes using a round cutter or small plate as a guide.
- Position a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture precisely in the center of each dough circle, leaving sufficient border for sealing.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and firmly crimp edges using a fork to create a secure, decorative seal.
- Gently brush the assembled empanadas with beaten egg wash to ensure a glossy, golden-brown finish during baking.
- Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns crisp and achieves a rich, amber coloration.
Notes
- Check ground beef fat content for optimal flavor and juiciness, leaner meat might require added oil.
- Finely dice vegetables to ensure even cooking and smooth filling texture.
- Experiment with spice blend by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth and heat.
- Allow filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy dough and easier sealing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg