Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas Delightful Pastry Bites

There’s something undeniably warm and inviting about the scent of freshly baked empanadas filling up my kitchen. I can still remember my first encounter with these delightful pastries during a family gathering. My aunt had set out a platter of golden-brown empanadas, the flaky crust glistening under the warm kitchen lights, and I was hooked. Fast forward to now—whenever I whip up a batch of homemade ground beef empanadas, I’m flooded with pleasant nostalgia. These little pockets of joy are surprisingly easy to make and offer endless opportunities for creativity. With a tender pastry and a savory filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy dinner, a joyful cookout, or simply a snack for your weekend binge-watch session. Let’s dive into this recipe that’ll surely become a cherished family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Trust me on this one—making empanadas at home is a game changer. Not only do they come together quickly, but they also promise a certain level of satisfaction that takeout just can’t compete with. It’s like a warm hug from the inside. You can whip these up for dinner, or you can surprise your friends at your next potluck. Plus, the best part? Everyone can personalize their fillings! Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie enthusiast, or a cheese fanatic, you get to craft your perfect empanada.

What It Tastes Like

Think about that first warm bite after a long day—the kind of comfort that settles in your soul. With a slightly crispy shell and a tender, savory filling, these empanadas deliver a heartwarming combo of flavors. The seasoned ground beef sings with hints of garlic and spices, while the pastry gives you that light and flaky touch that makes your tastebuds dance. It’s like a little piece of heaven with every bite, and you just can’t help but crave more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the pastry:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your dough; it gives you that perfect flakiness.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: It adds richness and helps create that tender texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to bring the dough to life.
  • 4–6 tablespoons cold water: This helps bind the dough together without making it sticky.
• For the filling:
  • 1 pound ground beef: The star of the filling, adding flavor and heartiness.
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped: It brings sweetness and depth to the beef.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This adds a warm, earthy undertone to your filling.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional): A delightful surprise that adds richness.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens up the flavors and adds a beautiful touch.

Optional Additions: Ever tried adding cheese? A bit of shredded mozzarella mixed into the beef filling takes it to another level! You can also toss in some jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Special Garnishes: A simple sprinkling of fresh herbs or a drizzle of chimichurri can make these little pastries look professional and mouthwatering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make these scrumptious empanadas.

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, diced butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it! You want it to be just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. If using, stir in the hard-boiled egg and parsley. Let it cool before assembling the empanadas.
3. Roll out the dough: Take the chilled dough out and divide it into 10–12 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Fill and fold: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, or you’ll have a mess! Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal. To make sure your empanadas are properly sealed, you can crimp the edges with a fork for that classic look!
5. Cook them up: You can either bake or fry these babies. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with egg wash for a lovely golden color, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep pan and fry each empanada until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Either way, you’ll want to keep an eye on them—they cook fast!

That’s it—pretty easy, right? These empanadas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to switch things up!

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even spinach and ricotta for a delicious veggie twist.
• Stuffed with Surprise: Try adding sautéed bell peppers or olives to the filling for an unexpected flavor punch.
• Sweet Empanadas: Use a sweetened cream cheese filling with fruit preserves for a delightful dessert version. Trust me, you’ll want to try it!

Serving & Storage Tips

When it comes to serving, these empanadas shine in their simplicity. Serve them hot with a side of spicy salsa or a fresh salad for a lighter touch. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my household!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For reheating, I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll maintain that crispy exterior. Or, if you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do, but you may sacrifice that lovely crunch.

Helpful Tips

Here’s the funny part—I used to overbake mine until I learned this trick: keep an eye on your empanadas as they bake! If they’re golden brown, they’re probably done. Plus, remember that the filling should be tasted and adjusted as you go; don’t skip that vital step—it’s where the magic happens! Also, embrace imperfections; even the misshaped ones taste the same as the perfect ones!

Special Equipment

• Pastry Cutter: This little tool helps you mix the butter into the flour effectively, ensuring a tender dough.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out your dough evenly, a good rolling pin is essential to achieve that perfect thickness.
• Parchment Paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking when baking your empanadas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze empanadas before baking?

Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The possibilities are endless, and each option brings its unique flavor profile!

How do I know when my empanadas are cooked through?

They should be golden brown on the outside, and if you’re frying, they’ll float to the surface when they’re ready! For baked empanadas, the color is your best friend—golden means deliciously done.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the dough in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit out for a bit at room temperature before rolling it out.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A heartfelt recipe for delightful homemade ground beef empanadas that will surely warm your kitchen and your heart. These little bundles of joy are perfect for creating memories with family and friends around the table. I can’t wait for you to try them! Let me know how they turn out and feel free to share your experiences or any creative twists you come up with in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

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