Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what to make with ground beef that's a bit special? These Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas are your answer! They're proper savoury hand pies.
Think Latin American flavour meets classic comfort food.
Brief Overview
Empanadas are basically Latin American ground beef hand pies . They're found all over South America. This recipe is medium difficulty.
It takes about an hour and a half with chilling time included. You get 12 empanadas, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
These empanadas are packed with protein from the ground beef. They're great for a quick weeknight meal or a party snack.
What makes this recipe special is the flaky crust and that tasty beef filling. Proper lush innit?
What To Do With Ground Beef? Make Empanadas
Need some dinner ideas beef ground ? Fancy something different from your usual shepherd's pie? These empanadas are perfect. They're easy to customize and everyone loves them.
Trust me, even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Empanada Time: Let's Talk Filling
The filling is what makes these empanadas sing. We're talking seasoned ground beef recipes , olives, raisins... honestly? It's a flavour bomb.
If you want to explore other Empanada fillings you can get very creative! This is inspired by Latin American recipes ground beef but adapted for what you can easily find in your local Tesco.
Why These Beef Empanadas Are The Business
These aren't your average easy ground beef enchiladas (though those are great too!). We're making proper beef enchiladas recipe ! The flaky crust, the savory filling… it’s all about that balance.
You could even turn this into a ground beef casserole if you're feeling lazy, just dump it all in a dish and bake!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need to make these smashing Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas . Don't worry, it's not too complicated.
It's about what to make with ground beef that's quick and satisfying, isn't it? We'll keep it simple and delicious.
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Remember, good ingredients make all the difference.
- For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) . Plain flour does the trick.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Sea salt if you're feeling fancy.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g/2 sticks) , cold and cubed. Seriously, cold is key!
- Ice water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Keeps the butter from melting.
- Egg: 1 large , beaten. For that lovely golden finish.
- For the Filling:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Standard stuff.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup). Brown or white will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for about 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Adds a warm, earthy note.
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . Gives a lovely smoky flavor.
- Dried oregano: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) . Don't skip it!
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Low sodium is a good shout.
- Pimiento stuffed green olives: 1/4 cup (40g) , chopped. Adds a briny kick.
- Raisins: 1/4 cup (20g) , optional. Some people love 'em, some don't.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste. Go easy at first.
Things To Do With Ground Beef can be so basic. But not this recipe!
Seasoning Notes
Spices are your friends here. Don't be shy. These Empanada fillings will blow your mind.
- Cumin, paprika, and oregano are your core spice combination for that Latin American vibe.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat.
- No beef broth? Chicken broth is fine.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics salt, pepper and a little bit of sugar to balance acidity.
Dinner Ideas Beef Ground are all about flavour, right?
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need anything too fancy.
- Food processor (optional for dough).
- Rolling pin. Essential for the pastry.
- 3-4 inch round cookie cutter (or a glass).
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper. Stops sticking.
- Pastry brush.
- Common household alternatives: You can use a mug to cut circles and your hands to mix the dough if you don't have a food processor.
My nan always said that all you need is a good rolling pin and a bit of elbow grease to make anything taste amazing.
Honestly, she had a point!. I'm so confident. These Beef Enchiladas Recipe , or empanadas, are gonna be a hit at your next dinner party, I'm telling you.
Get creative with your Ground beef recipes , and you'll be golden! These ground beef hand pies are amazing. Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas ? We don't want that.
So savory pie recipes is the perfect way to use Latin American recipes ground beef.
Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas
Fancy a little trip to South America, but don't want to leave your kitchen? These beef empanadas are your answer! They're like posh pasties, but with a Latin twist.
Savory ground beef hand pies wrapped in a buttery crust. Honestly, dinner ideas beef ground don't get much better than this.
What’s more, you can easily adapt them. They are the real deal.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Essential mise en place is key. Dice your onion (about 1 cup). Mince those garlic cloves. Get your spices measured out cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Chop your olives. If you're feeling fancy, do the raisins too. Time saving tip? Chop the onion and garlic in a food processor.
step-by-step Process: Empanada Magic
- Make the Dough: Combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter. Gradually add ice water. You are looking for a dough formation. Flatten into a disk, wrap, chill for 30 minutes .
- Sizzle the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook. You will see it brown. Drain any excess fat.
- Season Like a Pro: Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth, olives, and raisins (if using). Simmer until liquid is absorbed.
- Roll & Cut: Roll out dough. It needs to be on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles.
- Fill & Fold: Place a spoonful of filling. It has to be in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling to form a half moon. Crimp edges to seal.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush with egg wash. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet at 400° F ( 200° C) . You are aiming for 25- 30 minutes . Look for golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Empanadas
Want to really nail these? Always, always use cold butter for flaky pastry. Don't overwork the dough. Overworking will mean a tough crust.
Seal those empanadas tight. Sealing them will prevent filling from leaking out.
Looking for what to make with ground ? This is it. Want a Ground Beef Casserole later in the week? Double the beef and freeze half!
Enjoy these little pockets of joy. I have a feeling that you will also find they're the best among the ground beef recipes .
You will find things to do with ground beef are endless.
Recipe Notes for Your Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas
Right, so you're about to embark on your empanada adventure. Here are some extra bits that'll really help you nail it.
Trust me, I've had my fair share of soggy bottoms and leaky fillings.
Fab Serving Suggestions
So, you've got your golden brown beauties. What to make with ground beef empanadas for a feast? Plating them is easy.
Just arrange them on a nice platter. Maybe scatter some fresh coriander around. Fancy, innit?
A dollop of sour cream or a bit of guac works a treat. For a proper meal, add a simple side salad.
And of course, a cold Mexican beer or margarita is never a bad idea. Why not even try a little Aji Amarillo on top for a spice explosion?
Storage Tips (Because Leftovers Happen!)
Honestly, these ground beef hand pies are so good they probably won’t last long. But if you do have leftovers, no worries.
Just pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.
They can last up to 2-3 months. Reheating is easy. Just bake them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven until they're heated through.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a bit of a twist? You can easily adapt these. For spicy Beef Enchiladas Recipe , add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the filling.
If you love cheese, stir in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Got a veggie friend coming over? Swap the things to do with ground beef and use cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option.
And hey, if you're really short on time, use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry. No shame in that game!
Nutrition Basics (Simplified!)
Alright, quick and dirty nutrition info. Each empanada is around 300 calories. You're getting about 15g of protein, 20g of fat, and 20g of carbs.
Not too shabby, eh? Plus, you're getting some iron from the beef, which is always a bonus.
So there you have it. Empanadas made easy. Don’t be scared to experiment and have some fun with it. Whether it is for Ground Beef Casserole , Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas , or other Latin American recipes ground beef , you've got this! Now go and bake something amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the empanada dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. Making the dough a day ahead of time and storing it in the fridge allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. It's like giving it a little spa day before its big debut!
I'm short on time, what to make with ground beef that’s still quick and easy? Can I skip making the dough from scratch?
Totally! While homemade dough is lovely, ain't nobody got time for that every night! Using store-bought pie crust or even puff pastry is a brilliant shortcut. It drastically cuts down on prep time without sacrificing too much on the deliciousness factor. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using it.
How can I make these ground beef empanadas spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? Easy peasy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the ground beef filling. If you're feeling adventurous, finely chop a jalapeño or two and add it to the onion and garlic when you're sautéing them.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so start with a small amount and taste as you go.
Can I freeze these beef empanadas, and if so, how should I do it?
You bet you can! Empanadas freeze beautifully. You can freeze them before baking (unbaked) or after baking (baked). For unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked empanadas can be frozen similarly, and reheated in the oven or microwave.
What are some variations I can make to the ground beef filling?
The possibilities are endless! Think of this recipe as a starting point for your own flavor adventure. Consider adding some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, to the filling. You could also swap out the olives for chopped hard boiled eggs or add some chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices, too! A little chipotle powder or chili powder can add a nice smoky flavor.
Are there any nutritional considerations to keep in mind when making ground beef empanadas?
Absolutely. Ground beef, while delicious, can be high in fat. Opting for leaner ground beef (90% lean or higher) is a great way to reduce the overall fat content of the empanadas. You could also add extra vegetables to the filling to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
If you're watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the amount of salt you add and consider using low-sodium beef broth.
Ultimate Weeknight Beef Empanadas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |