These beef empanadas are a delightful fusion of tender beef, aromatic spices, and flaky pastry. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a savory snack, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
Perfectly golden and bursting with flavor, these empanadas are a treat for any occasion. Ready to impress your taste buds?
Let’s get started!
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a nonstick mat or parchment paper. Unroll refrigerated pie crusts on a flat surface and use a 3-inch round cutter to make circles.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Stir in the diced onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, green chiles, and pimento peppers, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste to the beef mixture and combine well. Stir in the shredded cheese, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each pie crust circle. Fold each circle in half and press the edges with a fork to seal them completely.
- Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Brush the tops with the whisked egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the empanadas for 10 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown color. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the empanadas with HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or chipotle chili powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 4 ounces diced pimento peppers
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, whisked
- HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole (for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 629 kcal | Carbohydrates: 47 g | Protein: 21 g | Fat: 40 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 96 mg | Sodium: 964 mg | Potassium: 442 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 1190 IU | Vitamin C: 36 mg | Calcium: 154 mg | Iron: 5 mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat for these empanadas?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses beef, you can substitute with any ground meat you prefer, such as chicken, turkey, or pork.
- What is the best way to store leftover empanadas?
- You can store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For reheating, using the oven is preferred over the microwave to maintain their crispiness.
- Can these empanadas be made in advance and frozen?
- Yes, you can prepare the empanadas up to the point of sealing the edges with a fork. Freeze them on a sheet pan in a single layer, then transfer to a Ziplock bag with wax paper between each empanada. Thaw completely in the fridge before adding egg wash and baking.
- What makes HERDEZ® Traditional Guacamole a good choice for serving with these empanadas?
- HERDEZ® Traditional Guacamole is made with fresh Hass avocados and seasoned with Serrano peppers, cilantro, garlic, onion, and salt, offering authentic Mexican flavors. It is available in both mild and spicy varieties, making it a versatile accompaniment.
- How can I make these empanadas spicier?
- To add some heat, you can include one finely diced jalapeño along with the onions, chiles, and peppers when preparing the filling.
Tips
- Prepping in Advance: Prepare a large batch of empanadas ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Place them on a sheet pan in a single layer until frozen, then store them in a Ziplock bag with wax paper between each empanada. This way, you can thaw and bake them fresh whenever needed.
- Sealing the Dough: Use a fork to firmly seal the edges of the empanadas after folding the dough over the filling. This helps to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking and ensures a perfect, golden crescent shape.
- Customizing Spice Levels: For those who love a bit of heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture along with the onions and peppers. This will give your empanadas a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Reheating for Best Results: If you have leftover empanadas, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain their crispy texture. This method ensures they stay as delicious as when they were first baked.
Equipment
- 3-inch Round Biscuit or Cookie Cutters – Essential for cutting the dough into circles.
- Nonstick Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have one, a good quality baking sheet is necessary for baking the empanadas.
- Pastry Brush – Useful for applying the egg wash to the empanadas.
