Embark on a culinary adventure with Baked Beef Empanadas, a classic dish that brings the rich flavors of seasoned beef encased in a golden, flaky crust. These empanadas are the perfect blend of savory filling and buttery pastry, offering a delicious and satisfying experience with every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Makes: 12 empanadas
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 500 grams (1.1 pounds)
- Onion, finely chopped: 150 grams (5.3 ounces)
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Red Bell Pepper, diced: 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
- Green Olives, chopped: 50 grams (1.7 ounces)
- Cumin Powder: 5 grams (0.2 ounces)
- Paprika: 5 grams (0.2 ounces)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Empanada Dough (store-bought or homemade): 12 discs
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): 1 large
Method of Preparation
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook until vegetables are soft.
- Season Filling: Stir in olives, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Let the filling cool.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each empanada disc. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with beaten egg.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake empanadas for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Dough Consistency: If making homemade dough, ensure it's not too sticky or dry for easy handling.
- Sealing Empanadas: Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Variation: Add raisins or chopped hard-boiled eggs to the beef mixture for a traditional touch.
FAQs
- Q: Can I make these empanadas in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Q: What's the best way to reheat empanadas? A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Q: Can I freeze baked empanadas? A: Absolutely. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.