Beef Empanada Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
629 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Beef Empanada Recipe
Description
The Beef Empanada Recipe features a savory ground beef filling spiced with cumin, chili powder, and salt, enhanced by diced onions, green chiles, and pimento peppers. Tomato paste and shredded cheese melt into the mixture, providing richness and body. The filling is enclosed in small circles cut from refrigerated pie crust, which bake to a flaky and golden exterior at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in about 10 minutes.
This baking method ensures the crust achieves a crisp texture without drying the filling. Folding and pressing the dough with a fork seals the empanadas securely, preventing leaks during cooking. The empanadas are best enjoyed slightly cooled and paired with traditional guacamole, balancing the warmth and spices with fresh creaminess.
These empanadas work well as a main dish when served in portions of four or as appetizers for larger groups. They can be prepared in advance and frozen either before or after baking. When reheating from frozen, an additional five minutes of baking can maintain the crispy crust and heated filling. Adding a diced jalapeno during cooking can increase spiciness for those desiring a bolder flavor.
For those preferring homemade dough, using a simple pie crust recipe provides an alternative to store-bought crusts, contributing to a more personalized texture and flavor experience. Storing leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the freezer preserves freshness for future quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 4 ounces pimento pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese or Mexican blend, shredded sharp
- 2 pie crusts refrigerated
- 1 egg whisked
- guacamole for serving, HERDEZ™ Traditional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper.
- Unroll pie crusts on a clean, flat surface. Use a 3-inch round pastry cutter to cut circles from the dough. (If desired, combine scraps, roll out, and cut again.)
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef.
- Stir in onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, green chiles, and pimento peppers. Saute 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, followed by the cheese. Remove from heat.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each pie crust circle.
- Fold dough over and use a fork to seal the dough all along the curved edge.
- Arrange in a single layer, not touching, on prepared baking sheet. Brush empanadas with egg wash.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole. Enjoy!
Notes
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking; add extra 5 minutes to baking time when baking from frozen.
- Alternatively, bake and freeze cooked empanadas for easy reheating later.
- To increase spiciness, add a finely diced jalapeno to the filling mixture.
- Homemade pie crust may be used as a substitute for refrigerated dough.
- The recipe yields about 4 servings as a main dish or 8 as appetizers; quantities can be doubled for larger groups.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 629 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 629kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 964mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 442mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1190IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 154mg | 15% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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