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Beef Empanada Recipe


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4.2 from 68 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approximately 12 empanadas)
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These savory Beef Empanadas are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, featuring ground beef seasoned with spices, green chiles, and pimentos, all wrapped in flaky pie crust and baked until golden. Served with traditional guacamole, they bring a flavorful touch of Mexican-inspired cuisine to your table in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Filling

  • 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)

Dough and Topping

  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

Serving

  • HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean, flat surface. Using a 3-inch round pastry cutter, cut circles from the dough. Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut additional circles as needed.
  3. Cook Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink.
  4. Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, diced green chiles, and pimento peppers. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Cheese: Stir in the tomato paste and then the shredded cheese. Remove the mixture from heat once the cheese has begun to melt.
  6. Assemble Empanadas: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
  7. Seal Dough: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely along the curved side to prevent filling from leaking.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the empanadas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other. Brush the tops with the whisked egg wash to promote browning.
  9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the empanadas for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Serve: Allow empanadas to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm with HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole for dipping and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute the shredded sharp cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
  • Make sure not to overfill the empanadas to avoid leakage during baking.
  • If you prefer a spicier option, increase the chili powder or use chipotle chili powder.
  • Egg wash is essential for a golden, shiny crust but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
  • Leftover empanadas can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired